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Grey Bruce, South Bruce, and West Region OPP Liaison Team partnered with Saugeen First Nation to host a human trafficking awareness session Nov. 20 that included guest speaker who talked about human trafficking. Over 12 community service providers had booths proving information on human trafficking and local services that they offer.
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Human trafficking is not just a big city issue, it is here in rural Ontario. A victim of human trafficking will not see any escape from “the game.” They are dependent upon us to help, here , according to Nov. 21 OPP news release that offered some signs that a person is being trafficked:
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· Tattoos or branding by a trafficker to show ownership
· Substance abuse disorder as a method of control
· Having multiple cellphones, or a cellphone with tracking or screen mirroring applications installed
· Fearful of police
· Someone else speaks for the trafficked person
· No control over their money
· Having new jewelry, clothing, or other expensive items they cannot afford to buy
· Refusing to provide any information or provides false information
· Cannot tell you where they live, not even an address
· Cannot identify their location or their upcoming destination
· Travelling with little or no baggage
· Dressed inappropriately for the weather or situation
· Not in possession of money or their identification
· Presence of sex products such as toys, lubricants, condoms
· Shows signs of abuse, malnourished, sleep deprived
· Signs of frequent travel: motel receipts/key cards, fast food wrappers, gas receipts, rental car information.
Factors specific to Grey-Bruce:
· Geographic isolation
· Tourism – particularly port towns, Tobermory, Owen Sound, Port Elgin and Kincardine
· Direct line in and out of the city with easy access to Hwy 21, Hwy 6, Hwy 10, Highway 26, County Road 86, County Road 4.
The Grey Bruce OPP and the South Bruce OPP ask anyone who is concerned that a loved one is involved with human trafficking to call 1-888-310-1122.
To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca to be eligible for a cash reward up to $2,000.
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