Content warning: human trafficking
Thank you to all who have followed my blogs on the cultural influences of alcohol use. I hope you’ve had a chance to reflect on how your culture has shaped how you view alcohol.
I’d like to transition and finally introduce another area of research that I’m passionate about and am currently working on: human trafficking in Halifax. This might come as a surprise to some, but Halifax has the second-highest rate of human trafficking in Canada, second only to Toronto. It is a serious problem and yet we don’t talk about it enough. I’m researching this issue as it relates to underage girls being groomed into the sex trade in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). I’m part of a team that is trying to know what types of things support a young girl’s resiliency in refusing to enter the sex trade, and what makes a young girl more vulnerable to grooming.
One thing we’ve found so far is that giving free substances to young girls is one way to get them trapped into a cycle of needing to work to pay their groomer back. The groomer can be someone the girl knows and looks up to, or someone trying to pose as a boyfriend. We’ve also found that online recruitment is on the rise, especially given the pandemic. I’m sharing this now because as the holiday season is coming up, you might be more likely to come into contact with younger family members or friends at holiday gatherings. Please be vigilant and know that anyone can be targeted.
Here are just a few warning signs to watch out for in underage girls:
– Increase in substance use
– Going on unplanned trips with people their parents don’t know
– Suddenly owning expensive clothes and accessories despite not having the resources
– Speaks of meeting a “prince charming” or someone “too good to be true”
– Withdrawing from usual social activities
If you notice these things, I encourage you to have open, non-judgmental conversations with the youth. Assure them they will not be in trouble, and don’t be afraid to talk about human trafficking. Some positive things to foster in young girls that may make them less vulnerable to grooming is to help build their self-esteem and have them be involved in healthy community like a sports team or a club.
Halifax Regional Police has more information on human trafficking and how to report it.
Stay safe and thank you for reading!
Nova Scotians looking for addictions support can go online or call 1-855-922-1122.
