Created by Canadian survivors of sex trafficking
What is Human Trafficking
A Survivor's Perspective
Human trafficking is a crime that has been around for a very long time. Hollywood movies and other depictions — often featuring people in handcuffs and chains — can paint a very different picture and fuel common misconceptions.
This page aims to clarify some common misunderstandings.
We begin with a quick self-assessment section, followed by information about sex trafficking and the concepts of luring and grooming, specifically geared towards family members and parents.
Additionally, we will provide guidance on what to do if you or someone you know might be in trouble or potentially a victim of human trafficking.
Self-assessment road map
If you are wondering about your situation, ask yourself these questions:
If your answers so far are yes, don't panic; just take a deep breath and keep going.
If you are reading this and you feel that this is happening to you, please know that you are not alone, please know that there are an amazing organizations, survivors and peer support workers you can reach out for help.
If you need help exiting a trafficking situation, we suggest you call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
So what is Human Trafficking?
From a lived experience perspective, human trafficking involves individuals or organized groups targeting vulnerable people who are seeking a better life, financial stability, or love. They use familiar tactics like love bombing to sell a false dream. Through sweet talk, “too-good-to-be-true” job offers, and romantic manipulation, they lure people away from their support networks — including friends, family, and even their home countries.
In many trafficking scenarios, traffickers rely heavily on psychological tactics — such as manipulation, including threats and brainwashing. When traffickers post as intimate partners, these tactics are often masked as love and support. They then convince or force the person to provide services, including sexual services or labour, while keeping most or all of the money. Over time, this manipulation leaves victims feeling mentally, financially, emotionally, and physically drained and isolated.
Signs of sex trafficking
Definition: Domestic sex trafficking involves exploiting Canadian youth from age 11 and up, regardless of their gender, background, or culture. Anyone can fall victim to online or sexual exploitation.
Youth in Canada are often targeted online and in public places, like malls, bus stops, schoolyards, and group homes.
Victims often live out of a suitcase, are constantly on the move, and typically never see the money they generate.
As relationships develop, victims may become isolated from family and friends, leaving them increasingly vulnerable and alone.
Traffickers will often pose as caring romantic partners. They make victims feel loved and important, drawing them into a false sense of security.
When victims try to leave, traffickers may resort to extortion and blackmail, sometimes demanding an "exit fee" to let them go.
Many victims are unaware they are being drawn into the sex industry. They might believe they are just helping their intimate partners or friends during a tough time.
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In online spaces, conversations often begin in direct messages or chat rooms, and can quickly escalate into what feels like a serious relationship. Traffickers may then ask for inappropriate photos or money, testing the victim's willingness to comply.
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A common pattern in sex trafficking involves traffickers moving people from city to city. They usually operate out of hotels, motels, or short-term rentals, with people working long hours and having little to no contact with anyone outside their trafficker’s control. The constant movement allows traffickers to maintain control over people while avoiding detection by police.
Transportation companies can request training for drivers via
The Women's Trucking Federation of Canada's website
IMPORTANT TO NOTE: If you are a bystander and believe you are recognizing the signs, please call the authorities or the Hotline below.
Signs that a young person might be being trafficked
Here’s a list of signs that may indicate someone is a victim of trafficking:
Isolation
They may have limited contact with family or friends, and may appear withdrawn or secretive.
Manipulative Relationships
They may appear overly dependent on a new partner and express strong feelings of love or loyalty. If that partner is demanding or controlling, this can be a red flag.
Frequent Moves
They may live out of a suitcase and change locations often, suggesting that they are not in a stable living environment.
Unexplained Absences
They may frequently go missing or be unable to maintain a regular schedule.
Financial Control
They may not have access to their own money or may say they’re working, but rarely see any of their earnings.
Online Engagement
They may be involved in online relationships that escalate quickly and involve pressure to share personal information, photos, or money, or to keep the relationship secret
The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking is a national charity that works to advance systemic change to prevent human trafficking and support victims and survivors. The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline (1-833-900-1010) is a confidential, multilingual service available 24/7/365 that connects victims, survivors, and concerned community members with local supports.
Le Centre canadien pour mettre fin à la traite des personnes est un organisme caritatif national qui œuvre à la promotion de changements systémiques visant à prévenir la traite des personnes et à soutenir les victimes et les survivant·e·s. La ligne d’urgence canadienne contre la traite des personnes (1-833-900-1010) est un service confidentiel et multilingue disponible 24 heures sur 24, 7 jours sur 7 et 365 jours par an, qui met en relation les victimes, les survivant·e·s et les membres de la communauté concernés avec les services d’aide locaux.