Sex trafficking is a form of human trafficking that affects every country in the world. Canada is not immune. It happens within our borders and it happens within our city – yes, sadly it does happen in Ottawa. In fact, it is thriving here!
Sex trafficking involves sexual slavery for profit; profit that is kept by the trafficker; profit that amounts to billions of dollars annually around the world. The exploitative relationship is dehumanizing, violent and relentless.
Sex trafficking is not prostitution. It is not sex work whereby a person earns a living through the sale of sexual acts by choice and has control over their conditions of work. Sex trafficking is forced sexual exploitation of the trafficked person and comprises a gross violation of that person’s human rights. Typically, a person who is sexually exploited does not have control or has little control over their hours of work; how much they charge for the services they provide, including whether they keep some or all of the money they earn; the services they provide (including unprotected intercourse); whom they service; and / or how many clients they service in a day or at the same time.
Sex trafficking involves males, females and children. It does not discriminate.
