TEENS ARE BEING SOLD FOR SEX

Sex trafficking occurs when emotional manipulation, force, deception, threats or assault are used to influence a person to perform sexual acts against their will.

Sex trafficking occurs when a person's boyfriend makes that person feel loved, buys them nice things but then convinces them to have sex with others.

Sex trafficking occurs when a person convinces another person to perform sexual acts that they would not otherwise perform with the veiled promise that they would acquire new friends

OR, 

For some teens who have suffered abuse from the hands of family members, they may seek escape by running away from home. As a result, they are more likely to end up homeless, and may choose a life style of prostitution in order to “make ends meet,” financially. 

These youth are more inclined to be placed into foster homes or group homes, and are also more likely to run away. Pimps also attract children by targeting them in group homes, promising them gifts, a sense of belonging, and a place where they will be loved, as well as encouraging them with presents and gifts, all the while grooming them for a life of prostitution.

• 93% of sex trafficking victims are Canadian citizens

• 90% of victims are female

•  17 years old is the average age of victims

• they can be as young as 13 years old

• they can be as young as 8 years old for indigenous girls

•  30% are recruited by a boyfriend, and

•  25% are recruited through friends often themselves victims

(Source:

 https://covenanthousetoronto.ca/the-problem/sex-trafficking/ )

Some of the common signs that a young person may be the victim of Sex Trafficking might include:

•  Appearing malnourished or lacking health care
• Showing signs of physical and/or sexual abuse, physical restraint, confinement, or torture
• Appearing unusually fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, or nervous or paranoid
• Is not free to leave or come and go as he/she wishes
• Being isolated from one's family and friends
•  Does not have control of his/her own identification documents (ID or passport)
• Cannot freely communicate with anyone they wish
• Cannot clearly say where he/she is staying or knows their address
•  Few or no personal belongings
•  Suspicious jewellery or tattoos showing “branding”, which means they are owned by another person(s)
• Has a noticeably older “boyfriend” (10+ years)
• Many unexplained absences from school
• Several cell phones, prepaid phones, hotel keys, expensive gifts

This list is not exhaustive and not all human sex trafficked victims will display all the above characteristics. 

However, if you have concerns about the activities of a young person, or suspect or know a young person who is engaged in forced sexual relationships in Moncton, Dieppe, Riverview or surrounding areas, please,

Text, call, or email us:

Phone: (506) 874-4333 

Email: communityofhopenb@gmail.com