Anti-Human Trafficking Program

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.
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​Our Centre offers a specialized Anti-Human Trafficking Program. Using a trauma-informed, harm reduction, and feminist approach, this program provides wrap-around services to those experiencing sexual exploitation and those who are at risk within Waterloo Region. Services are free, confidential, and non-judgmental. This program is accessible to all genders ages 12 and up, and is available regardless of immigration status.

Our Services

This program provides:

• 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​

* SASC has partnered with the Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region (WCSWR) to reserve two beds 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. 

REGISTER

​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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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].

​Care Path for Survivors of Sexual Exploitation in Waterloo Region

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

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.

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. 

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.

What are Signs Someone is Being Trafficked?

• Withdrawn
• Missing school/work
• Unexplained articles of clothing, money, electronics
• Often accompanied by someone who speaks on her behalf
• Physical injuries
• Avoids eye contact
• Works excessively long hours 
• Frequently checks into hotels/motels/air bnbs​
• Lacks official identification documents or personal possessions