Talk to someone

If there is immediate danger or if you suspect someone is being trafficked, call 911 or your local police service.

If you or someone you know is in need of support or you want to report a potential case call the Canadian human trafficking hotline1-833-900-1010. It’s confidential, toll-free and open 24/7.

Recognize human trafficking

Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes worldwide and is a serious criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada.

Signs someone could be trafficked

There are many signs that could indicate someone might be a victim.

How trafficking can happen

Traffickers identify and target a person’s vulnerabilities to gain trust and form a bond.

Types of human trafficking

Sex trafficking, labour trafficking and forced marriage are types of human trafficking.

People at risk of trafficking 

Anyone can be at risk of being trafficked, and there are factors that make someone more vulnerable.

Stages of recruitment into sex trafficking

Sex traffickers develop a bond so they can manipulate and control a person. This bond is developed in stages, over time.

 

How traffickers target people

Traffickers often target people who are vulnerable and marginalized, including children. Historical colonialism and systemic racism put some communities at increased risk of being targeted.

Help for survivors

Being trafficked can cause severe trauma and survivors often need intensive, specialized programs and services to help them heal, rebuild their lives and regain independence.

Community programs across Ontario

Access community-based services including crisis intervention, trauma therapy, counselling and skills training.

Indigenous-led services and supports

Find supports designed by and for Indigenous people, including counselling, cultural programming, addictions treatment and leadership development services.

Social housing and help with rent

Contact your local municipal service manager to apply for priority access to social housing or a monthly rent subsidy.

Services for children and youth

Some service providers offer specialized support for children and youth who have been sex trafficked or are at risk.

Free legal support

If you’re a survivor of human trafficking or at risk of being trafficked, you can get free legal support.

Get a restraining order

Apply for a court order to limit what a current, past or potential trafficker can do, where they can go and/or who they can contact.

Services across Canada

Find emergency, transitional, and long-term services in communities across Canada.

Human trafficking hotline

Call toll-free: 1-833-900-1010. It’s a dedicated line that’s confidential and open 24/7.

Prevention and education

We support prevention initiatives and activities to raise awareness about human trafficking.

Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy

Ontario is taking action to combat human trafficking.

Our current strategy

Ontario’s strategy focuses on raising awareness, protecting victims, intervening early, supporting survivors and holding offenders accountable.

Read the 2020–2025 strategy.

Anti-human trafficking legislation

Under the law, the province must maintain an anti-human trafficking strategy. The strategy is subject to review at least every five years.

Read the Combating Human Trafficking Act, 2021.

Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy Review

We are reviewing the 2020-2025 Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy to evaluate its effectiveness and consider changes that could improve how the government combats human trafficking and supports victims and survivors.

As part of our review, we have received feedback through a consultation to help inform this important work. We thank everyone who gave their input on how to combat human trafficking.