Human trafficking is not just a Halifax issue.
That’s the message an unnamed woman had for Premier Stephen McNeil when she called into CKBW’s Q and A with the premier last week.
“Sexual exploitation is not only happening in Halifax and Dartmouth and surrounding communities, it’s a big problem in our rural communities right here on the South Shore,” she said.
The South Shore woman did not want to be identified because her daughter is a victim of human trafficking.
But she called on the province to do more for victims of sexual exploitation.
“I want you to know it’s important to listen to the folks, the boys and girls involved, their families, the individuals who have lived or who are currently living this nightmare,” said the woman.
Premier McNeil said his government has been working on issues of sex based violence but acknowledged more could be done.
He says he will be discussing the issue with Justice Minister Mark Furey.
Nova Scotia RCMP’s human trafficking coordinator says it’s a country-wide issue.
Corporal David Lane says despite its prevalence, people still seem surprised when it happens in rural areas.
“Recruiters will actually go to rural areas to look for girls and a lot of our cases and our tips involve girls from rural Nova Scotia who are actually tricked into the lifestyle.”
Lane says the men will often treat the girls like they are in a relationship, showering them with gifts, before isolating them from their families.
After that they’re moved to a city to be sexually exploited.
Victims are often moved city to city or even province to province to keep them from putting down roots or to leave them confused about their whereabouts.
Lane says anyone can be a victim, not just girls in vulnerable situations.
“While you an expect a home that looks perfect from the outside, these girls are also susceptible to being recruited.”
Lane acknowledges that teenage boys sometimes get trafficked as well but says it’s much more common in girls.
It’s also difficult to track its prevalence in both sexes because many people who are trafficked don’t believe they’re victims.
Those that do realize they’ve been victimized have a hard time coming forward because of stigma or they may feel guilt or embarrassment.
Traffickers also often threaten their victims or their families.
Because of that, Lane says it’s understandable some may not come forward to law enforcement and he encourages people to seek support through non-profit organizations if that is the case.
Family members who believe a loved one is being exploited should contact law enforcement as soon as possible.
Those wishing to remain anonymous can contract Crime Stoppers at www.canadiancrimestoppers.org or call 1-800-222-8477.
For a directory of resources in Nova Scotia, click here: www.nsdomesticviolence.ca/
Story by Brittany Wentzell
Twitter: @BrittWentzell
Email: wentzell.brittany@radioabl.ca
