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Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Feb 22, 2025, 13:39 PM

Human trafficking is a heinous crime that targets the most vulnerable with devastating impacts on victims, survivors, and their families. Human Trafficking Awareness Day is recognized in Canada on February 22. Peel CAS, in partnership with the Peel Human Trafficking Service Providers Committee, is committed to shining a light on this often invisible crime.  

 

The average age of recruitment into sex trafficking in Canada is just 13 years old. About one in four victims are under the age of 18. While it is happening in communities across the country, 62% of Canadian human trafficking cases originate in the GTA. Children and youth involved in child welfare are at an increased risk for recruitment into sex trafficking due to their associated vulnerabilities.  All of this means that organizations like Peel CAS can play an important role as part of the solution.

 

Peel CAS has an internal Anti-Human Trafficking committee that is available for consultation and support on cases involving human trafficking. The committee members work closely with the Peel Human Trafficking Service Providers Committee – a group of 40 local organizations – to provide resources and support for victims and survivors, as well as building capacity in the sector through training and public awareness campaigns.

 

On February 19, in honour of Human Trafficking Awareness Day, Peel CAS and the regional committee presented Stopping Traffic, an exclusive film screening and training event for professionals who work in social services. Participants learned more about the realities of sex trafficking in Canada, and discussed trends and best practices for prevention, early intervention, and support for survivors. Training was provided by Kelly Tallon Franklin of Courage For Freedom, a survivor-led charity dedicated to eradicating sex trafficking by educating communities and service providers, and supporting victims and survivors.

 

The event was attended by representatives from many partner agencies including local police services and school boards, other Children’s Aid Societies and Indigenous Family Well-being agencies, women’s shelters and community services like Embrave, Everymind, Elizabeth Fry Society, and William Osler Health System.

 

Peel CAS also took part in several media opportunities to help raise awareness of this important issue. Please see below for media stories and related links: