WCSWR ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH SASC’S ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING PROGRAM

Kitchener, Ont. – In partnership with the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region (SASC), Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region (WCSWR) is proud to announce two beds, one at each shelter, will be reserved for those experiencing sexual exploitation and trafficking

Funded by SASC, these beds will provide temporary emergency shelter to clients until they are able to access long-term housing support. Lack of access to a safe, emergency shelter is a major barrier for individuals exiting an exploitative situation, as many do not have a safe alternative.

“Our Centre is thrilled to launch this partnership with Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region,” says Sara Casselman, Executive Director, Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region. “We know access to safe and secure housing is a key component to ending the exploitation of women, girls, trans and non-binary folks who have been trafficked.”

Using a trauma-informed, harm reduction, and intersectional feminist approach, SASC’s Anti-Human Trafficking 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. Those who enter WCSWR’s shelter through this partnership will be enrolled in SASC’s Anti-Human Trafficking Program.

WCSWR operates two emergency shelters, Anselma House in Kitchener and Haven House in Cambridge. WCSWR empowers women and children to move beyond violence through the provision of safe shelter, educational resources and outreach services. Offering programs such as addictions support, music therapy and food and nutrition, WSCWR supports and cares for women at each step of their journey. The organization serves women and children 16+ from all cities and townships in Waterloo Region.

“This partnership will provide a needed service,” says Jennifer Hutton, CEO, Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region. “It will provide safety for those experiencing exploitation and will provide a community approach to gender-based violence.”

This partnership will particularly support those most likely to be targeted by traffickers: young women and girls, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous and Racialized people. It is essential to wrap those most vulnerable to trafficking in community care.

If you or someone you know is in need of this service, please contact the Anti-Human Trafficking Program at 519-571-0121 ext. 111 or email ahtp@sascwr.org 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.

Media Inquiries:
Carly Holmstead
Communications and Fund Development Supervisor
Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region
Carly.holmstead@wcswr.org | 519-742-5894 ex. 2027

Human Trafficking Fact Sheet
In Canada, the vast majority (96%) of victims of police-reported cases of human trafficking in 2019-2020 were women and girls. – Statistics Canada, 2022

Of these:

• Nearly half (45%) of all victims of human trafficking during this time were aged 18 to 24. - Statistics Canada, 2022
• One in four (25%) victims were under the age of 18. - Statistics Canada, 2022
• One in five (20%) were aged 25 to 34. - Statistics Canada, 2022
• The remaining victims were aged 35 to 44 (6%) or 45 and older (3%). - Statistics Canada, 2022
• In all, seven in ten (69%) victims of human trafficking were girls and young women aged 24 and younger. - Statistics Canada, 2022
  

Local Facts:

• 124 people received support through SASC’s Anti-Human Trafficking Program in 2021-22.
• 47 per cent of clients in this program are under the age of 18
• 74 per cent of clients in this program are under the age of 24
• Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, SASC’s Anti-Human Trafficking Program has seen a 23 per cent increase in clients enrolled.