What Human Trafficking Looks Like in Huron County?

Human Trafficking does happen in Huron County.
This is a video of a woman explaining her experience of human trafficking in Huron County.

What Does Human Trafficking Look Like?

  • Targeting of anyone (predominantly women or girls) with the direct intent of profiting via their exploitation.
  • Main recruitment tools include social media, blackmail, and previously established connections and relationships.
  • Once a relationship is established, emotional manipulation is used to further recruit and condition the victim.
  • Many victims identify their trafficker as their “boyfriend” and think that they are in love!  Showing attention and interest can be confusing to a young girl who is looking for acceptance.
  • You can be a victim of trafficking and still return home every night.
  • Incriminating photos are taken and then used as leverage to ensure victims will do what they are asked in fear of exposure.
  • Rental properties, Airbnbs, hotels, abandoned farms or barns can all be used to isolate the victim and keep the person trapped in the “lifestyle”.
  • #1 growing crime on the planet, 93% are Canadian-born and raised.
  • Female friends will befriend a victim, then introduce them to the “party scene” and to new young men who pay attention to them.
  • Youth who struggle with low self-esteem, bullying, discrimination, poverty, abuse, isolation and other social or family issues tend to be most targeted.