Human sex trafficking and intimate partner violence prevention
Human sex trafficking incidents in Peel are among the highest in Canada.
Actions we're taking
After a successful 3-year pilot project that focused on addressing this growing problem and bridging the service gaps for victims in Peel, our Strategy to Address Human Sex Trafficking has been approved by Regional Council as a permanent program.
Our efforts are now shifting to a more prevention-focused approach, and we need additional funding to keep supporting survivors.
A permanent Anti-Human Sex Trafficking program in Peel, supported by the provincial and federal governments, will ensure the long-term sustainability of needed services and supports for those impacted by human sex trafficking.
Related
Other information
Provincial investments beyond 2025 are required to ensure protection and prevention for victims of human sex trafficking.
Policy opportunity and solutions
Eradicating human trafficking and providing support to victims of this abhorrent crime is a shared priority for the Region of Peel and the Province, and ongoing collaboration and support is having a positive impact. To keep this momentum going, long-term sustainable operational funding, beyond the annual $730,000 within the five-year strategy, will be required to support the costs of dedicated housing and integrated support services for victims, survivors and individuals at risk of human sex trafficking in Peel Region.
Update on Peel human sex trafficking initiatives
The Strategy to Address Human Sex Trafficking in Peel Region aims to provide services that are low-barrier, survivor-centred and trauma-informed. The services are based on three pillars – Prevention, Intervention and Exits/Housing. Implementation of this work continues to progress in collaboration with Elizabeth-Fry Society of Peel-Halton as the Housing lead. Catholic Family Services of Peel-Halton is the Services Hub lead, and the Region appreciates the $3.1 million in funding over five years through the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services’ Community Supports Fund to support this work.
62.5% of Canadian human trafficking cases originate in the GTA.
Under the Prevention Pillar, the work is being carried out primarily by Peel Regional Police, the school boards, Peel Children's Aid Society and Peel service providers. The recent provincial mandate for all boards to implement anti-trafficking plan, will help to formally reinforce our prevention efforts.
Under the Intervention Pillar, the Region established a three-year pilot for the dedicated services hub for individuals at-risk, engaged in and transitioning out of sex trafficking. Our hub, nCourage, offers system and client navigation, case management, trauma counselling, outreach and soon health care.
Under the Exits and Housing Pillar, we have a safe/emergency house (opened in April 2020) and transitional house (opened in April 2021) that are both dedicated to human sex trafficking victims and survivors. Six survivors can stay here - three during restrictions in place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Peel's rate of trafficking in persons is 0.85 per 100,000 population.
Tremendous progress is being made to safeguard the health and safety of human sex trafficking victims - primarily young girls and women. The Region appreciates the provincial support received to date and additional funding, beyond 2025, will be needed to ensure Regional services remain accessible to victims and survivors of sex trafficking.
Peel Anti-Human Sex Trafficking Strategy
Prevention: Increase awareness
- Peel Regional employees
- Peel Municipalities
- Shelters
- Schools
- Private Corporations
- Parents/Guardians Tactics
- E-learning module for Regional staff and to share externally
- In-person training for frontline staff in Human Services and Public Health
Interventions: Increase access to dedicated and reliable services that are easy to navigate for victims and survivors
- System navigation and coordination of health, legal and social services
- Core services include trauma counselling, life and job skills, legal support, education and case management
- In-kind complimentary services provided by community partners
Exits and Housing: Increase access to dedicated, safe and supportive housing for victims/survivors
- Safe/emergency house (up to four months)
- Transitional house (up to two years)
- Connection with priority status on Peel Access to Housing (PATH)
