Because it doesn’t start like something bad.

It starts with a message, flattery, gifts, attention, and promises.

It’s more common than you think.

Sex trafficking is when someone makes money or gains something from a person under 18 being used for sexual purposes.

For adults, it only counts as trafficking if there’s force, fraud, or manipulation.

Anyone can be a sex trafficker.
Also known as a “pimp”.

It's not that common
1.7M children are estimated to be in situations of sex trafficking worldwide on any given day.
This doesn't happen here
71% of trafficking victims in Canada are under the age of 25.
Traffickers are scary strangers
34% of victims were trafficked by an intimate partner.
It's just girls, right?
46% of men and boys were most often trafficked by someone they shared a business relationship with.

How?

→ Your boyfriend suggests you make money off of your sexual images on Snapchat or OnlyFans. He take a cut of the profit.
→ Someone online uses your nudes or fake ones to blackmail you for money.
→ Your friend introduces you to working at a strip club.

Get help.

This is what it looks like..

Get help.

During large sporting events, human trafficking spikes.

During large sporting events, trafficking spikes as there is more demand for women and minors.

Here’s the problem:

  • It’s never okay to purchase a human being.

  • You can never actually know who is there by choice and who is being controlled, pressured, threatened, or manipulated.

  • Victims will be too afraid to speak up. They may say they are okay. Some may not even recognize what is happening to them yet.

Would You Catch It?

Signs a friend might be getting trafficked

Friend Safety Check
Is this a warning sign?

You finished the check.

Every scenario in this quiz was a warning sign. One sign alone does not always mean trafficking is happening, but patterns matter. If something feels off, tell a trusted adult or report it.

If you’re checking multiple boxes, something isn’t right. Tell an adult you trust, like a school counsellor.

Signs someone in public might be getting trafficked

Public Safety Check
Is this a warning sign?

You finished the check.

Every scenario in this quiz was a possible warning sign. One sign alone does not prove trafficking is happening, but signs of fear, control, isolation, or someone else speaking for a person should be taken seriously.

This doesn’t always look obvious, it can be easy to miss. Tell a security guard, police officer or trusted adult.

How can I report?

Speak Up!

You don’t need to be sure to take it seriously.

Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline

Call 1-833-900-1010

https://canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca/chat/

If you’re in immediate danger, call 911.

If something feels off with you, a friend, or someone around you- trust that.
Say something and get help. Talk to a trusted adult first.

You Might Be Wondering…

Is my boyfriend a pimp?

What about platforms like OnlyFans?

What about sugar dating?

Learn about more topics on The Hub!
Learn about more topics on The Hub!