Sex Trafficking 101

Sex trafficking is complicated. It’s not always easy to spot the warning signs or understand why victims can’t leave once trafficked. Yet the reality is that young people are being lured online and from local malls and schools across Canada.

Survivors have told us that not only do they wish they had been educated about the signs of luring and grooming, but that greater public education could prevent many victims from being lured in the first place.

​This section provides an overview of the issue and helps to dispel common myths. We hope that greater awareness can help equip and empower everyone to recognize the warning signs, reach out for help and support survivors in their journey to recovery.

Here are suggested topics to get you started:

If you or someone you know is being trafficked or exploited, get support now.

Girl in window looking distressed and sad
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Sex Trafficking 101: Topics

Young girl laying down in bed looking sad

Sex trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes in Canada, and is often misunderstood. Awareness and education are key to fighting this crime. Find out more about this issue and some of the common myths.

Young girl standing on city road side looking sad

Sex trafficking can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, income, orientation, culture or neighbourhood. Learn about the factors that can put young people at greater risk.

Sad teenage girl sitting on steps alone outside

Read what survivors told us were factors that made them more vulnerable to being lured into sex trafficking and also made it more difficult to leave once they were trafficked.

Young man and woman looking at each other romantically, a potential trafficker and his victim

Traffickers often lure their victims under the guise of a romantic connection. Read about this and other methods that traffickers use to lure and eventually control victims.

Teenage girl texting in a class filled with other students

Signs of luring and trafficking can be difficult to spot and can often be overlooked. Learn what to look for with your children, in your workplace and in your community.

Sad and lonely woman in the city sitting next to a window after being lured by traffickers using the cycle of exploitation

Traffickers use a variety of tactics to control their victims. Read about this cycle of exploitation and how it affects the mindsets of victims.

Learn why victims can't leave their traffickers

Exiting sex trafficking can be a long and difficult process for victims. Learn more about the many barriers survivors face when trying to escape or exit sex trafficking.

Teen girl sitting outdoors slightly smiling at camera

Every experience of trafficking is different and it can be difficult to find the right words to describe this journey. Learn more about the terminology we use in Traffick Stop.

Teenage girl talks with therapist about the impact of trafficking on her family

If you or someone you know is being trafficked or exploited, access supports here.

Woman formulating a plan on a glass board

Working with survivors, police and community partners to identify service needs, Covenant House developed an anti-trafficking plan in 2016. Learn about this plan, our Urban Response Model, which includes prevention, direct services for survivors and research and evaluation.

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