“What Human Trafficking Really Looks Like in Canada (And Why Most People Miss the Signs)”

Human trafficking in Canada is not what most people imagine.It’s not dark alleys, international crime rings, or dramatic movie scenes.Most cases happen in plain sight, right here in our communities — and the victims are often people we would never expect.

Trafficking Often Starts With Trust

Traffickers rarely snatch people.They groom them — emotionally, psychologically, or financially — until the victim becomes dependent.

Common recruitment tactics include:

• Pretending to be a boyfriend/girlfriend

• Offering protection or a place to stay

• Giving gifts, rides, or emotional support

• Offering job opportunities in modeling, cleaning, hospitality, or escort work

• Exploiting financial stress, addiction, or homelessness

Once trust is built, control begins.

Who Is Most at Risk?

While anyone can be targeted, traffickers deliberately seek individuals who:

• Need housing

• Need money

• Are isolated or unsupported

• Are young and looking for belonging

• Struggle with addiction

• Are newcomers to Canada

• Are Indigenous women and girls

Traffickers know exactly who is vulnerable and how to exploit fear, shame, and survival needs.

Why Victims Can’t “Just Leave”

Many survivors stay stuck because traffickers use:

• Threats against family

• Financial control

• Violence or fear of violence

• Drug dependency

• Shame and embarrassment

• Immigration threats

• Isolation

Trafficking is psychological imprisonment, not physical kidnapping.

What HAT Foundation Is Doing

HAT works to:

• Support survivors with resources

• Educate communities about warning signs

• Provide prevention programs

• Help families understand grooming

• Partner with organizations to protect vulnerable individuals

The more people understand the reality of trafficking, the harder it becomes for traffickers to operate silently.