“That doesn’t happen here.” This is the
usual response when I bring up the ever-present issue of human trafficking in
Canada. “That’s only in other, more underdeveloped countries.” My friends and
family say naively. It is astonishing that there is such a lack of knowledge
regarding the trafficking of women and girls (and I mean girls: the average age
for trafficking victims is 13 years and is getting younger) that is prevalent
in “first world” countries. I suppose it is an issue that is not easy to talk
about, and therefore not talked about. Canadian citizens continue to remain in
the dark about something so heinous and cruel yet it has become one of the
biggest legal issues in the country.
Unlike the preconceived notions of many
of those around me, female trafficking victims in Canada aren’t just relocated
into Canada from other countries. Many victims are Canadians who come from
marginalized groups such as Aboriginals, young girls, immigrants, minorities, and
abuse survivors and have lived in the country all their lives.
I was discussing the issue with a friend
recently who was in disbelief that this could happen in her own backyard. She
asked questions such as, “how does this happen?” “Why does our government let
this happen?” and “How can we help?” All very good questions which require
addressing:
How
does the trafficking of women happen in Canada?
Often, trafficking victims are lured by
traffickers who use deception to trap them with promises of better living
conditions, a career, or are simply abducted. The trafficker could be an
organized crime ring/gang, pimp or even a friend or family member. Many female
victims have a history of sexual abuse and domestic violence. The victims may
be lured from public places such as bus or train stations, shops and in the
street however the internet is becoming the biggest medium for luring victims
in.
Traffickers use many techniques to be
able to continue to exploit and traffic women. Many times they threaten their
lives and the lives of their loved ones. They will also isolate them from their
loved ones and use techniques such as torture, rape, starvation and confinement
to keep them conditioned.
Women and girls from other countries are
falsely promised a job in a peaceful country or a whirlwind romance and then
forced into trafficking.
Why
does our government let this happen?
It is not an issue of the government allowing trafficking to happen.
Trafficking is a very underground, lucrative business that is extremely
difficult to trace. Victims can be hidden behind businesses such as escort
services and massage parlors. They may also be working in residential brothels
which are very hard to find without a proactive investigation.
There are currently many initiatives
taking place in Canada to combat human trafficking. This is what Public Safety
Canada has to say about their efforts:
“Canada was
among the first countries to ratify the United Nations Protocol to
Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and
Children. Our efforts are
guided by this Trafficking Protocol and seek to prevent trafficking from
occurring, protect victims of human trafficking, bring its perpetrators to
justice and build partnerships domestically and internationally. To effectively
combat this issue will require the involvement not only of the federal
government, but of provincial and territorial governments as well. And to be
successful, governments must also work closely with law enforcement, civil
society and others.
While many
initiatives are underway, both at home and abroad, the time has come to
consolidate all of the activities into one comprehensive plan with an
unwavering pledge to action. The Government of Canada's National Action Plan to
Combat Human Trafficking proposes strategies that will better support
organizations providing assistance to victims and helps to protect foreign
nationals, including young female immigrants who arrive in Canada alone, from
being subjected to illegitimate or unsafe work.
The National
Action Plan builds on our current responses and commitment to work together
with our partners to prevent and combat this disturbing crime. It leverages and
builds on Canada's international and domestic experience to date and provides
aggressive new initiatives in order to address human trafficking in all its
forms.”
There are many
other not-for-profit organizations that are contributing to the halt of human
trafficking such as the Canadian Women’s Foundation and many others.
How can we help?
·
Spread
the word. Educate your friends and family on the issue, they may not even know
that it is happening right in their own city.
·
Ask
your MLA and/or MP what they are doing about human trafficking.
·
Make
a donation or get active with an organization that is involved with combating
human trafficking.
·
Write
an article for your local newspaper or online blog.
·
Contact
the local authorities and/or a women’s crisis line if you suspect it’s
happening in your community.
It is time for
Canadians (and residents of other “first world’ countries, for that matter) to
open their eyes to this hideous crime. The longer we are blind, the longer
traffickers profit.
By Jennifer Andrews
Great piece, very informative and clear. Saddened to learn about the extent of this in Canada (or anywhere for that matter) but thankful that more attention is being brought to these matters.
ReplyDeleteSXYPHN