Human trafficking awareness campaign begins
By Rob Bale
The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking has begun a new campaign called “Human Trafficking: It's Not What You Think.” The national campaign is intended to counter misconceptions about human trafficking and raise awareness of the signs that trafficking is occurring. The initiative consists of digital advertising on social media sites, dating apps and streaming services, as well as materials distributed at transit shelters and other high-traffic areas.
“Too many people equate human trafficking with kidnappings and strangers in white vans,” said Julia Drydyk, executive director of the centre. “In reality, it often starts with someone the victim knows and trusts. If Canadians don't unlearn these myths, they risk missing the real signs. Many victims don't even realize they are being trafficked because they've been manipulated into believing they consented. By reshaping the conversation, we can ensure that more victims are identified, but most importantly, that they know help is available.”