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I’m worried about someone else.

It can be hard to tell when someone needs help. You might sense something’s wrong but feel unsure about how to help. Our hotline response advocates are here to listen and guide you – no judgment, just support.

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What is sex trafficking?

Sex trafficking is when someone is controlled, threatened or manipulated into exchanging sexual services for money, and where the person controlling them — the trafficker — takes all or most of that money. The trafficker will target a person, gain their trust by making sure they have necessities like food, housing or drugs, and then exploit their physical or emotional needs or insecurities to pressure them into selling sex.

What is labour trafficking?

Labour trafficking is the control and exploitation of a person for their labour or service. It’s also known as forced labour. Labour traffickers use violence, threats, lies and illegal debts like pay deductions to make people work against their will. Labour trafficking can happen anywhere and to anyone.

How to recognize trafficking?

Trafficking is not always easy to spot, so it helps to know what to look for. One sign on its own might not mean that trafficking is happening. Instead, think about how the following behaviours overlap in the life of someone you’re worried about.

Common signs of sex trafficking

  • Being pressured, threatened or forced to work in the sex industry
  • Pulling away from friends and family
  • A new, fast-moving and intense friendship or relationship
  • Restricted or limited access to phones, ID and money
  • Often absent from home, school, work or social circles
  • Limited control over where they go, what they do or who they spend time with
  • A change in appearance: new or different clothes, accessories, electronics, makeup or nails
  • Showing signs of abuse: cuts, bruises, burns or looking exhausted

Learn more about sex trafficking

Sex trafficking is a difficult topic to talk about, but open, informed conversations can help prevent exploitation before it happens. It’s Time to T.A.L.K. was developed to support adults who want to engage youth in thoughtful discussions about consent, healthy relationships and human trafficking, and to build the confidence to recognize when someone may be at risk.

Read our It’s Time to T.A.L.K. guide

Common signs of labour trafficking

  • Having ID, immigration papers or work permits held by someone else
  • Being forced to work under threat of deportation or violence
  • Being denied access to health care and medical services
  • Having pay held back
  • Being forced to pay for services that employers are legally required to cover, like travel expenses to come to Canada

Learn more about labour trafficking

Some basic considerations about safety

If you know about a possible human trafficking situation or are concerned for someone who may be trafficked, please think about your safety and the safety of those involved before taking action. You can always contact the hotline 24/7 for advice and support.