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Look for signs of human trafficking, says Chatham-Kent police chief

Human trafficking is a hidden but all-too-real crime with serious, long-term effects on its victims, says Chatham-Kent police Chief Gary Conn.

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Human trafficking is a hidden but all-too-real crime with serious, long-term effects on its victims, says Chatham-Kent police Chief Gary Conn.

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He spoke Wednesday after a 60-year-old man from Chatham-Kent was charged with multiple criminal offences, including those related to human trafficking.

“Human trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation or harbouring of persons for the purposes of exploitation, typically in the sex industry or for forced labour,” Conn said. “The reality is that human trafficking is real and it is here in our community.

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“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.”

Last month, Chatham-Kent police received information about domestic abuse and the human trafficking of a local woman by an intimate partner.

The man was charged Tuesday with human trafficking, receiving a material benefit resulting from trafficking in persons, deriving material benefit, exercising control, procuring, advertising sexual services, sexual assault and assault. He was released with a Nov. 24 court date.

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Conn couldn’t comment on that investigation because it’s before the courts, but “we would like to encourage those, who believe they may be a victim of human trafficking or know of someone who is being exploited, to please find the strength to come forward,” he said. “Help and support services are available.”

For more information, visit www.ontario.ca/page/human-trafficking and https://www.canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca/.

Support services are available through Chatham-Kent Victim Services at ckvictimservices.com/.


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, such as medical care, food and clothing;
  • New, expensive clothing, purses and jewelry;
  • Addiction to drugs and/or alcohol;
  • Changes in behavior, such as depression or anxiety;
  • Freedom of movement seems to be restricted;
  • Cryptic text messages and conversations;
  • No passport or identification;
  • A new partner and/or friends nobody knows;
  • Signs of isolation.
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