This is a video of a woman explaining her experience of human trafficking in Huron County.
What Does Human Trafficking Look Like?
- Targeting of anyone (predominantly women or girls) with the direct intent of profiting via their exploitation
- Main recruitment tools include the use of social media, blackmail as well as through previously established connections and relationships
- Once relationship is established, emotional manipulation is used to further recruit and condition the victim
- Many victims identify their trafficker as their “boyfriend” and think that they are in love! Showing attention and interest can be confusing to a young girl that is looking for acceptance
- You can be a victim of trafficking and still return home every night
- Incriminating photos are taken and then used as leverage to ensure victims will do what they are asked in fear of exposure
- Rental properties, Airbnb’s, hotels, abandoned farms or barns can all be used to isolate the victim and keep the person trapped to the “lifestyle”
- #1 growing crime on the planet, 93% are Canadian Born and Raised
- Female friends will befriend a victim and then introduce them to the “party scene” and new young men that pay attention to them
- Youth who struggle with low self-esteem, bullying, discrimination, poverty, abuse, isolation and other social or family issues tend to be most targeted