The Fight Against Human Trafficking in Our Region Continues

Tuesday, 30 July 2019 11:54

"Just a message for human traffickers out there, it is just a matter of time before we find you, it is just a matter of time before we kick down your door and take you to jail."

WOODSTOCK - Woodstock Police joined the OPP at the On route just outside of Woodstock this morning to show their support for Project Maple Leaf on World Day Against Human Trafficking.

Another event was held at the Onroute in Tilbury as well. Constable Ed Sanchuk has this message to anyone who is guilty of these crimes.

"Just a message for human traffickers out there, it is just a matter of time before we find you, it is just a matter of time before we kick down your door and take you to jail."

Several organizations in our region are working together to put an end to human trafficking, which is a real danger in our area, especially along the 401. We don't have any actual statistics from Woodstock and Oxford County on human trafficking, however the numbers coming out of London are staggering. 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.

Constable Laura Lee Brown says they are promoting Project Maple Leaf as they encourage everyone to work together to put an end to human trafficking.

"Today we are making it clear that education is prevention and this only works when all of us are working together. We are all responsible for safe communities, we are all responsible for keeping our eyes and ears open, and as police we are asking everyone that if something doesn't feel right, if something doesn't seem right, if you suspect human trafficking may be happening at all, give us a call."

You can help end Human Trafficking by calling police or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010 if you know of any or suspect you or someone you know is involved in human trafficking. Police are also encouraging everyone to use the hash tags #KnowHumanTrafficking and #ProjectMapleLeaf today.

Project Maple Leaf is designed to raise awareness about human trafficking happening along the 400 series highways in Ontario.

Did YOU know that 60% of #HumanTrafficking happens right here on own own highways. We can all have Courage For Freedom. #Educate #Engage #Empower #ProjectMapleLeaf ^es https://t.co/ikVqK8Rqvq
— OPP West (@OPP_WR) July 30, 2019