Human Trafficking: Hidden in Plain Sight

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by The Salvation Army in Canada
Categories: Divisional News
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By: June Li

Human trafficking occurs in Canada more often than people may think. “When people think of human trafficking they think of Thailand or the Red Light District in India,” says Larissa Maxwell, Director of Anti-Human Trafficking Programs for The Salvation Army British Columbia Division, “But the reality is, Canadian children, youth and adults are being trafficked by other Canadians.”

In Canada, there are two main forms of human trafficking: sexual exploitation and labour trafficking. Sadly, those who are being labour trafficked are often also being sexually exploited.

Sexual Exploitation
Sexual exploitation can take many forms; it can mean child brides, coerced to sell sex in the sex trade, forced marriages between adults, gang facilitated exploitation or even someone who is being exploited via the internet who never leaves the safety of their bedroom. Once someone is being sexually exploited, their reality is filled with extreme levels of abuse, violence, and degradation.

Labour Trafficking
“Though many people may only think about sexual exploitation as human trafficking, labour trafficking is just as brutal and severe,” says Maxwell. Those who are being labour trafficked are everyday people. It could be the caregiver you see at the playground, the individual working away on a remote farm, or even the person doing your nails at the salon.

These individuals often come to Canada from a different country to seek out employment opportunities. When a human trafficker gets in contact with them, they will promise them a job but charge an illegal recruitment fee that is often thousands of dollars. “Once these individuals arrive, they are already debt-bonded to the employer,” explains Maxwell, “Since they are not properly paid, that debt never goes away.”

The Realities of Human Trafficking
The road to recovery is long and challenging. Many people who are being trafficked may not even be aware of their own situation. Though some may be manipulated into human trafficking, others often feel that they have the choice to turn away from their current situation or stay. Sadly, the reality is these individuals may feel coerced to stay because to them it appears their personal needs are being met. You don’t need bars on the doors and windows when the bars are on the heart and mind.

Maxwell explains victims may be reluctant to seek assistance as their trafficker is often helping fulfill something they want, whether it is financial support or provision of drugs. “Since the victim’s core needs are being leveraged, individuals may feel the only option to survive is to continue this type of lifestyle.”  

Although many arrests are being made to those involved in human trafficking, the issue doesn’t go away. “The problem is the demand for sexual services and cheap and unethical labour in our society,” says Maxwell, “We can have education in schools and arrests being made but we need to address the demand of human trafficking.” Unfortunately, as long as there is a demand, the vicious cycle of human trafficking will persist.

The Salvation Army’s Anti-Human Trafficking Programs in British Columbia
In 2009, The Salvation Army opened Deborah’s Gate in Vancouver, British Columbia, the first high security Canadian safe house and residential program for survivors of human trafficking. From outreach services to life-skills program, The Salvation Army Anti-Human Trafficking services focus on helping human trafficking victims develop life and living skills to move forward and reintegrate back into society.

“Healing takes time,” says Maxwell, “For a lot of people, their decision to choose recovery in their heart is a long process, but we are here to help one step at a time. We believe everything can be redeemed, renewed, and restored.”

About Larissa Maxwell
Larissa MaxwellLarissa Maxwell is the Director of Anti-Human Trafficking Programs for The Salvation Army British Columbia Division and has over 15 years working specifically with survivors of human trafficking and exploitation. Since 2013, Larissa founded and developed 5 more programs and initiatives, supporting up to 250 survivors a year coast to coast, with plans of more to come. Last year they were the recipient of the Department of Justice Excellence in Victim Services Award for their ground-breaking, innovative work.

On, Thursday, November 22nd we invite you to The Salvation Army’s annual Hope in the City Leadership Breakfast with our keynote speaker, Larissa Maxwell as she discusses the realities of human trafficking in today’s society and our unwavering hope to change the script of the story. To learn more about the event, to purchase tickets or to become a sponsor, visit our website at www.HopeInTheCityToronto.com.