Collective action to prevent human trafficking
Human trafficking is a global issue that generates billions of dollars each year and is the second-largest source of illegal income worldwide. It’s a deep and dynamic challenge and the United Nations outlines the true scope of the issue:
“Human trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring, or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a person of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation.”
A global issue happening right here at home
Children and youth can be recruited anytime, anywhere and it happens when vulnerable children and youth are lured through promises, psychological manipulation, drugs, alcohol, and violence. In Canada, human trafficking victims can be trafficked as young as 13 or 14 years old, and many have a history of early childhood trauma. In order to combat this issue, as a society we must bring awareness to this issue and talk about it with people in the community.
Not in my City (NIMC) is a Calgary organization that is raising awareness and taking collective action to prevent and end human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
CUPS has been in conversations with NIMC to discuss the importance of this topic and it has since blossomed into a formal working agreement. As this collaboration continues, CUPS staff will further learn about human trafficking and NIMC staff will have a deeper understanding of the CUPS integrated care tool.
Furthering this partnership, CUPS has future plans to modify the tool to do a deeper assessment of human trafficking on clients who walk through their doors.
Know the signs of human trafficking
It is important not only for CUPS staff, but those in our Calgary community to know the signs of human trafficking so as a community we can take action.
Signs of human trafficking include:
Those seeming fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, nervous or paranoid.
Appears malnourished, sleep deprived, or in need of medical care.
Shows signs of ownership, such as tattoos, brands, and jewelry, used by traffickers to mark their property.
Has multiple cell phones.
Has hotel room keys.
Lacks knowledge of a given community or whereabouts.
Is a chronic truant, runaway or homeless youth.
Protects the person who is hurting them and is not allowed to speak for themselves.
Provides inconsistent information and lack of ID.
Has expensive items, with no source of income.
Displays dramatic personality change.
If you or someone you know is getting human trafficked, report suspicious activity, be aware of the signs and contact local authorities. It is crucial to take action.
To learn more about human trafficking and how to better support the community please visit https://notinmycity.ca/