If you or someone you care about is experiencing sexual exploitation, or is at risk, SASC is here to support you.
​Most victims of sex trafficking are in coercive or abusive situations from which escape is both difficult and dangerous.

We use a trauma-informed, feminist, harm reduction approach. This program provides wrap-around services to those experiencing, or at risk of, sexual exploitation within Waterloo Region. Services are free, confidential, and non-judgemental. This program is accessible to those age 12 and up regardless of gender or immigration status. 

Our Services

• Counselling
• Advocacy
• Crisis support
• Safety planning
• Related accompaniments
• Temporary Shelter * ​​

• Practical assistance
• Support through legal processes                 
• Support with obtaining housing
• Connections to community supports
• Public education and outreach​

This program provides:

* SASC has partnered with the Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region (WCSWR) to reserve one bed at each shelter for those experiencing sexual exploitation and trafficking. These beds are meant to provide temporary emergency shelter to clients of our HT program until they are able to access long-term housing support. 

​​If you or someone you know needs this service, please contact the Anti-Human Trafficking Program at 519-571-0121 ext. 111 or email [email protected] from Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Those needing service after hours can contact Victim Services of Waterloo Region at 519-570-5143.

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Understanding Trafficking

What is human trafficking?  
The use of threat, force, fraud, deception, coercion, or power imbalance, to control an individual into providing services against their will, often in exchange for monetary gain.  

What is sex trafficking? 
Sex trafficking is human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and occurs when an individual is recruited and forced, coerced, or deceived into providing sex services against their will.  

What is sexual exploitation? 
When someone is taken advantage of sexually without true consent. Exploitation can include sexual assault, sending sexual images under pressure, being coerced to have sex in exchange for things like money or gifts, or unsafe sexual practices.  

Exploitation can happen on its own, but it can also be a key part of trafficking.  ​

Who is at risk?

This is a highly gendered issued; 93% of those trafficked are women and girls, over half of which are between the ages of 18-24. Targets can also include youth of any race or gender, often with histories of being marginalized, abused, or isolated. 

Populations with increased risk: 

• Women and girls 
• The 2S-LGBTQIA+ community 
• Equity deserving groups 
• Youth, especially with a history of abuse or neglect 
• Unhoused or living in shelters or group homes 
• Newcomers or people with precarious status 
• Black, racialized, and Indigenous communities 
• People experiencing poverty 
• People experiencing mental or physical health challenges, including disabilities 
• People seeking belonging and inclusion 

Where does trafficking happen?

Virtually:

• Social media (like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) 
• Messaging apps (like Snapchat, WhatsApp, Discord) 
• Gaming platforms 
• Dating/sugar baby websites or apps 

​

In-person:

• Hotels and motels 
• Transportation hubs (like ONroute stops or bus/train stations)
• Locations popular with youth (like shopping malls)  ​
• Within relationships and families 

Trafficking often begins with luring and grooming. Initial connections are usually positive. Grooming is a methodical process in which traffickers use a variety of tactics to gain their victims’ trust, create a degree of dependency, and subtly promote the idea that selling sexual services is normal, acceptable and necessary. 

Traffickers look for people who have emotional or material needs that are not being met. 

What are the warning signs?

• Withdrawn, avoids eye contact  
• Missing school or work, or working excessive hours  
• Secretive about new partner or friends 
• Unexplained money, articles of clothing, or electronics  
• Accompanied by someone who speaks on their behalf 
• Avoids sharing personal details or facts  
  

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• Appears more mature than their biological age  
• Responses feel scripted or rehearsed  
• Increase in inappropriate sexual behaviour  
• Signs of physical or emotional abuse
• Clothing that does not reflect the current time, place, or season  
• Lacks official identification documents or personal possessions ​

​This is not a checklist. These are possible indicators that something isn't right, especially if you are seeing a change from previous behaviour (for example, someone who is usually very social becomes withdrawn and secretive).​

Resources

R.E.S.E.T Curriculum

 ​R.E.S.E.T. (Recognizing Exploitation: a Syllabus to End Trafficking) is a curriculum to address human trafficking with 12-15-year-old youth of all genders.

This curriculum provides information and activities to have conversations with youth about vulnerability, exploitation, consent, healthy relationships, and social media. It culminates in a scenario-based activity where students can use what they have learned to apply their knowledge and skills.

Through these discussions, youth will build an understanding of what trafficking looks like and be able to identify concerning behaviours.

For more information, click the image to the right.

R.E.S.E.T. is owned and copyrighted by the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region. If you are interested in licensing or want more information, please reach out to [email protected] or [email protected].

Are you a survivor of sexual exploitation? Do you need help finding care and support? We can help. This interactive resource from SART (Sexual Assault Response Team) will help you find the care you need. Click to get started.

Get Started

​Care Path for Survivors of Sexual Exploitation in Waterloo Region

Ontario's Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy

SASC’s Anti-Human Trafficking Program is funded by the province to support Ontario’s comprehensive strategy to combat human trafficking. For more information about Ontario's anti-human trafficking strategy, click here.

Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline

The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking has launched the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline.

​If you are a victim/survivor of forced prostitution or forced labour, or believe someone else might be, call the hotline at 1-833-900-1010.

For more information about the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline, click here.