Human Trafficking Stats Not Good For The Region

Thursday, 25 April 2019 07:44

Human Trafficking continues to be a growing concern along the 401 in our region. The numbers are staggering coming out of London and parents and teens need to be aware of the dangers.

OXFORD COUNTY - Our region along the 401 has become a hotbed for Human Trafficking.

Advocate Counsellor with the London Abused Women's Centre Cathy Goldsmith says the numbers from London Police over the past 5 years are staggering.

"London has actually become a hotbed for human trafficking and part of that is because of the location, we are on the 401, half way between Detroit, Windsor and Toronto and not very far away from Niagara Falls either, so it becomes a good stop along the trafficking route. We know from London Police Services that between 2013 and 2018, the number of suspected traffickers reported in London was 285, 433 individuals were considered to be at high risk of trafficking and contact was made with 533 individuals, including trafficked women and girls to reach out to them."

Goldsmith says the traffickers use all kinds of sophisticated methods to get women in the sex trade.

"These guys are pretty slick, they will give a women or a girl to maybe model, do escorting that doesn't involve sexual activity that will bring in money for them. We also have what is known as Romeo Pimps, who target vulnerable women and girls and become their boyfriend. They will bestow lot's of gifts and loving gestures upon the women and girl and she feels like this is her boyfriend and then suddenly that relationship turns into a relationship that she provide sexual services to men or multiple men and she essentially becomes a slave to that person."

She recommends parents talk to your kids and teens about the dangers and realities of what is happening in our area.

"One of the things that we talked to concerned parents about is to notice if there are any significant changes to your daughters behaviour. So if they are not attending school or work, bringing home expensive items that they can't afford, withdrawal from family, sometimes becoming involved in drug use or addiction. Generally speaking withdrawing from relationships that they use to value. The London Abused Women's Centre offers support and services to women and girls who have been trafficked, but also to their families to try to support them and get them some help."

Goldsmith says they have a social media campaign right now and they are targeting places like Leo List, where traffickers will post pictures of the girls and women they are trying to promote. They have pop up ads on those sites that are targeting the ladies that there is help out there and it is also reminding the purchasers that it is illegal to purchase sex in this Country.