Police launch national toll-free line for victims of human trafficking

Ottawa police have launched a 1-800 line linking “those trapped in the abusive cycle of human trafficking” to its specialized unit.

The toll-free number, 1-800292-1168, connects directly with the Ottawa Police Service’s human trafficking unit.

Victims “can get the help they need to get out of their situation, no matter where they are in Canada,” police said in a release Wednesday. “Sex-trade trafficking victims are often rotated from city to city, along the Montreal-to-Toronto corridor. Sometimes they are even transported across the border into the United States.”

“I’m not sure most residents of Ottawa are aware of how prevalent human trafficking is here,” Sgt. Damien Laflamme said. “We are working closely with hotels and entertainment groups in the city to train front-line personnel on how to recognize signs of human trafficking and what they can do if they see it.

“But we also wanted to provide a way for victims or people with information to contact us, no matter where they are in Canada.”

City police said that they’ll join other agencies for Human Trafficking Awareness Day on Friday at Ottawa City Hall. The event, hosted by Ottawa Victim Services and sponsored by Crime Prevention Ottawa, is from 8:30 to 11:45 a.m.

Carly Kalish, the executive director of Victim Services of Durham Region, will speak about her approach to supporting survivors.

Also Friday, the Anti-Violence and Coercion Taskforce for Indigenous Organizations and Networks (ACTION) is hosting an awareness event sponsored by Tungasuvvingat Inuit and Minwaashin Lodge. For details, visit: www.eventbrite. ca/e/indigenous-human-trafficking-awareness-day-event.