Province dedicates funding to fight human trafficking

Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services Halton, in conjunction with Summit Housing, Halton Region and the Elizabeth Fry Society, will receive $1.4 million from the province over the next three years to help end human trafficking.

Most of the money ($990,669) will come from Ontario’s Anti-Human Trafficking Community Supports Fund, to supply emergency and crisis response supports and longterm mobile outreach for human trafficking survivors. The province will invest an additional $400,000 in housing support services.

Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn and Indira Naidoo-Harris, minister of the status of women, made the funding announcement last week in Oakville.

“I cannot tell you how amazing this is,” said Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services executive director Alma Arguello. “To have this support means a lot.”

Because human trafficking survivors are controlled mentally, physically and emotionally, Arguello said it is difficult for them to leave and find help. Those who do find a way out often need support in a range of areas, such as trauma counselling, addictions recovery, job training and more.

Flynn said he was shocked and surprised that human trafficking was happening in Halton. He said human trafficking is hidden so deeply in our society, most people don’t even know it exists.

“It does happen here,” he said. “Let’s see if we can’t eradicate this.”