Human Trafficking in Canada

70%
of cases are
sex trafficking
2 in 3
victims are
younger than 25
93%
of traffickers are a
friend, romantic partner, or relative
01

Human Trafficking

Click to understand what it means.

02

Sex Trafficking

Click to understand how it happens.

Human Trafficking

Human trafficking isn’t kidnapping or smuggling.

Human trafficking is when someone convinces, forces, or pressures another person for sexual reasons or forced labour in order to profit off of them.

Sexual exploitation is the most common form of human trafficking, also known as sex trafficking.

Sex Trafficking

Sex trafficking is when someone is pressured, manipulated, or forced into having sex in order to profit another person, known as “the trafficker.”

Most victims have a relationship with their trafficker where trust has been built and false promises are made.

Once trust is earned, that person is then manipulated, threatened, or trapped into sex trafficking.

It’s not what you think.

‍ ‍Click on the cards below

Did you know it is illegal to buy sex in Canada?

Test yourself- how much do you know?

“It’s safe to buy sex in Canada.”
Reveal

Reality. Buying sex in Canada is illegal. Those selling sexual services have been decriminalized, but purchasing sexual services is illegal in Canada.

“If someone is being paid, it’s not trafficking.”
Reveal

Reality. Payment does not mean consent. You cannot buy consent. Traffickers do not want to get caught, and it may appear the person is in control.

“If someone is advertising themselves, it must be their choice.”
Reveal

Reality. Many individuals are controlled behind the scenes. A Canadian study found 40% of escort ads were linked to trafficking.

“It’s obvious when someone doesn’t want to be there.”
Reveal

Reality. You often have no way of knowing. People may appear compliant due to fear, manipulation, or control. What you see is not the full picture.

You do not know their full story. Don’t play along.

Could you tell the signs that someone is being trafficked?

  • Someone else speaks for them or controls their interactions

  • Avoids eye contact or appears fearful, anxious, or submissive

  • Is constantly monitored or unable to make decisions independently

  • Has limited access to their phone, money, identification, or personal belongings

  • Provides rehearsed, scripted, or inconsistent answers

  • Does not know their current location or where they are staying

  • Shows signs of physical abuse, malnourishment, exhaustion, or poor hygiene

  • Wears clothing inappropriate for the weather or situation

  • Appears significantly younger than the person accompanying them

  • Has tattoos, branding, or symbols that may indicate control or ownership

If something feels “off”, that’s enough of a reason to report.

Get Help or Report

The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline

Chat online or call 1-833-900-1010

Available 24/7 in multiple languages.

Free Educational Resources for Youth

Brought to you by the Center for Exploitation Education. We are proud to be a trusted education and prevention resource listed in the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking referral directory.

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Sources: Public Safety Canada Statistics Canada