A 60-year-old man from Chatham-Kent has been charged with human trafficking.
Chatham-Kent police received information last month about the domestic abuse and the human trafficking of a local woman by "an intimate partner" and an arrest was made on Tuesday. The unidentified suspect is charged with multiple criminal offences, including human trafficking, sexual assault, assault, benefitting from trafficking people, exercising control, procuring, and advertising sexual services.
“Human trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation or harbouring of persons for the purposes of exploitation, typically in the sex industry or for forced labour,” said Chatham-Kent Police Chief Gary Conn. “The reality is that human trafficking is real and it is here in our community. Human trafficking is a complex and hidden crime. It is also a human rights violation that results in serious and long-term trauma for survivors."
The chief added he can’t provide more information regarding the investigation because the matter is before the courts, but he wants to encourage those who believe they may be a victim of human trafficking or know of someone who is being exploited to "find the strength" to come forward because help and support services are available.
The following are warning signs that someone may be being exploited:
· Fear for one’s safety or the safety of a loved one
· Unexplained bruises or other signs of physical abuse
· Tattoos or branding
· Lack of life’s necessities (medical care, food, clothing)
· New expensive clothing, purses, jewelry
· Addiction to drugs and/or alcohol
· Changes in behaviour (depression, anxiety)
· Restricted freedom of movement
· Cryptic text messages and conversations
· No passport or identification
· A new partner and/or friends nobody knows
· Signs of isolation
Visit www.ontario.ca/page/human-trafficking or www.canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca for more information about human trafficking. Support is also available through CK Victim Services at https://ckvictimservices.com.
Meanwhile, the Ontario government is reinvesting $2.5 million in cash and proceeds seized from criminals to help fight human trafficking in communities across the province. The money is being made available to law enforcement agencies and community partners for local projects focused on prevention, crisis counselling, research and public education.
The province said Chatham-Kent police is getting $81,173 to buy a vehicle and equipment for on-scene investigations to provide a safe space for human trafficking victims to engage with the police and community workers while being safely separated from the trafficker. Applications for the 2021-22 grant open November 3, 2020.
