Victim Services of York Region is among frontline organizations in the province receiving a portion of $7.65 million in funding over five years that will support human trafficking victims and survivors.
"Through our government's anti-human trafficking strategy, we are helping young women and children escape a living nightmare and rebuild their lives," said Premier Doug Ford at the Aug. 24 announcement.
"We will continue to work with police to give them the tools and resources they need to go after the thugs responsible for this disgusting crime and put them behind bars where they belong."
Supports funded through this investment include:
- Additional funding to the Victim Quick Response Program+ to help human trafficking victims and survivors cover essential expenses, such as accommodation, meals, transportation, dental care, mobile phones and tattoo removal.
- Enhanced services under Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario to enable frontline staff address the immediate and local needs of human trafficking victims and survivors, particularly children and Indigenous persons. This could include early intervention to help victims transition out of human trafficking, referrals to local programs and increased hours of service.
- Expanded funding to the Vulnerable Victims and Family Fund to cover key court-related expenses, including basic necessities such as weather or courtroom-appropriate attire, and costs associated with travel, meals and accommodations.
The funding announced today is part of the government's anti-human trafficking strategy released in March, which includes a $307-million investment over five years. The comprehensive strategy aims to raise awareness about human trafficking, protect victims and intervene early, support survivors, and hold offenders accountable.
Quick Facts
- More than two-thirds of police-reported human trafficking violations in Canada occur in Ontario.
- More than 70 per cent of known human trafficking victims identified by police are under the age of 25, with 28 per cent under the age of 18.
- The average age of recruitment into sex trafficking is 13.
- Young women and girls are particularly at risk, especially those from Indigenous communities and children and youth in care. Boys, men and people who are LGBTQ2S are also targeted.
