Human Trafficking
What is human trafficking?
Human trafficking is when someone exploits, controls or manipulates another person — often through violence, threats or deception — for sexual services or forced labour.
It’s important to know that human trafficking is different from human smuggling. Trafficking involves ongoing control and exploitation.
Know the signs
Human trafficking often starts in ways that don’t seem dangerous at first. Maybe you met someone who:
- Promised to protect and care for you.
- Talked about an easy way to make money.
- Made everything sound safe or even glamorous.
But over time, things changed. Do they:
- Hurt you, threaten you or force you into sexual activity?
- Say they love you and promise it’s the last time — but repeat the abuse?
- Tell you no one will help because you’re involved in the sex trade?
- Pressure or force you to do things you didn’t agree to?
You might also notice more control creeping in. For example, does this person now:
- Control where you go, who you see or who you talk to?
- Force you to exchange sex for money, food, drugs or a place to stay?
- Demand quotas or “protection” payments?
- Take your money or say you owe them and can’t leave?
- Move you to another city without your consent?
- Call you names or make you feel worthless?
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Feeling scared, isolated or confused is common in these situations. But you deserve to be safe and respected — and support is available to help you find a way out.
Recognizing human trafficking
You can help stop human trafficking by recognizing the warning signs. A person may be a victim if they:
Can't show identification documents
They fail to produce an ID, driver's licence or a passport
Don't have access to a cell phone
They can't make calls or send texts freely. They rely on someone else who has a phone
Can't control their own money or resources
Someone else controls their money and other resources. They are not free to spend their own money
Work long hours
They work long hours with little or no time off
Aren't allowed to go out alone
They are always chaperoned and can't go places on their own
They have tattoos linked to another person
They have tattoos or "branding" suggesting they belong to another person
They are fearful or distrusting of authority
Show signs of fear, anxiety, shame or distrust of authority
Can't make decisions
They have trouble making decisions independently
They have bruises or other injuries
They have visible injuries, such as bruises that are not explainable
