Pictured above (left to right): Gary Kent, CAO, Peel Region, Deborah Riddle, Executive Director, EFry Hope and Help for Women, Christy Upshall, CEO, Our Place Peel, Julie Elsdon-Height, Executive Director, Caledon\\Dufferin Victim Services, Sarah Rogers, Executive Director, Victim Services of Peel, Mississauga Councillor Chris Fonseca, Mississauga Deputy Mayor Matt Mahoney, Hon. Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women\u2019s Social & Economic Opportunity, Mary Beth Moellenkamp, CEO, Peel Children\u2019s Aid Society (Peel CAS), Hon. Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship & Multiculturalism, Steve Jacques, Commissioner, Human Services, Peel Region, Mississauga Councillor Natalie Hart, Mississauga Councillor Martin Reid, Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament, Brampton South, Mississauga Councillor Brad Butt<\/p>\n
A significant expansion of anti-human sex trafficking work in Peel Region was announced today as nCourage<\/a> will be launching a new hub located at Toronto Pearson International Airport along with service expansion into the City of Brampton and Town of Caledon. Led by Peel Children\u2019s Aid Society (Peel CAS), in collaboration with community partners, the announcement comes at a critical time, as incidents of human sex trafficking continue to rise across the GTA.<\/p>\n \u201cSince last year, 202 children and youth were identified by Peel CAS as being involved in human sex trafficking, underscoring the urgent need for earlier intervention and stronger system coordination,\u201d said Mary Beth Moellenkamp, CEO, Peel CAS. \u201cnCourage\u2019s anti-human sex trafficking work is now fully integrated within the child welfare system, marking a critical shift from crisis response to proactive intervention.\u201d<\/p>\n nCourage\u2019s expansion includes the addition of two new partner organizations, Victim Services of Peel and Caledon\\Dufferin Victim Services to further strengthen a coordinated, wraparound approach to service delivery. With 62% of Canadian human trafficking cases originating in the GTA, the new nCourage hub at Toronto Pearson international Airport will serve as a strategic site for disrupting these incidents within a major transportation corridor.<\/p>\n \u201cThis integrated model will enable timely identification, coordinated intervention, and stronger protection at points of heightened vulnerability,\u201d said Superintendent Lisa Hewison, Peel Regional Police, Pearson Airport Division and Board Chair, Peel Children\u2019s Aid Society. \u201cThis is community safety in action as partners work together to protect and support children, youth, and families.\u201d<\/p>\n As part of Victims and Survivors of Crime Week<\/a>, nCourage is also launching a region-wide public awareness campaign: \u201cIf you see something, say something.\u201d The campaign aims to empower community members to recognize the signs of human sex trafficking and take action. With the average age of recruitment into sex trafficking in Canada at just 13 years old, raising awareness is a critical tool in prevention.<\/p>\n Indicators that a young person may be at risk:<\/p>\n Isolation from family and friends Informed and engaged communities play a vital role in protecting children and youth. This campaign reinforces that everyone has a role to play in identifying risks, supporting victims and survivors, and helping to prevent exploitation before it happens. Learn more at nCourage.ca<\/a> or call 905-866-2831.<\/p>\n Help is available. If you are a victim or survivor of human sex trafficking or forced labour, or you know someone who is, contact the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca<\/a> or at 1-833-900-1010.<\/p>\n If you are concerned about the well-being of a child or youth please call your local children\u2019s aid society. Service is available 24\/7 and all calls are confidential.<\/p>\n \t\tJSC Newsletter<\/p>\n Receive our stories and events directly to your inbox, twice a month.<\/p>\n
\nNo phone, inconsistent phone, or more than one phone
\nThe youth is always being monitored or controlled
\nThey may not have identification on them
\nThey cannot leave the current situation due to safety concerns
\nDictated or restricted movement
\nSpeaking in a rehearsed way
\nSomeone speaks for them<\/p>\n