On the 18th of March, my sister and I went to an informative presentation at one of the Markham Public Library branches. This session taught us a lot about the commonly avoided demons we do not normally associate with Canada. The topic discussed is not one many schools generally want being spoken about within the school communities, yet after watching some videos, learning, and engaging in the information session discussions, I finally fully grasped the criticalness and horrors of said matter. Blind no more to the corruption happening worldwide and even in my stereotypical always-safe-and-polite country; among other national controversies such as the dwindling currency and sky-rocketing gas prices, human trafficking has been added to my list.

Human trafficking is the trade of human beings, mainly females, illegally for sexual slavery, forced labour, forced marriage, exploitation, money, and above all, personal gain. There are many types of human trafficking, ranging from prostitution to black market organ trading. For that specific presentation, we focused solely on sexual slavery. Though I already knew a tad bit about the still ongoing slave trade, supposedly larger than that abolished about 150 years ago, a really only did know about prostitution, pimps, and advertisements that tricked girls into traveling overseas, losing their identities, and doing sexual work for the rest of their miserable lives. What I learned that day really opened my eyes.

Did you know there are female pimps too? I was surprised at first too. They are what we call “madams” and though they are the same gender as their culprits, they are still as ruthless and greedy as their male counterparts. Traffickers aren’t only strangers but can be someone you know whether it be an uncle, aunt, professor, a friend or a friend of a friend, a friend of a family member or sibling , the list is endless. As briefly stated before, though women are indeed the main targets in the sex trade (approximately 80% of the targets); males too are victims to this appalling crime. On an even more sadistic note, the age range for “product” sought out by traffickers is roughly between the ages of 14 and 22, occasionally 25 and above though not as admirable by customers wanting younglings, and the youngest around the age of 9! This trade is the fastest growing crime internationally as well as the second most profitable criminal business only led by drug trafficking and a spot ahead the distribution of illegal arms. I could go on and on talking about the approximate 1.2 million trafficked children annually or the six to eight hundred persons traded into Canada yearly as well, but I believe all reading should search up for themselves, what these people have to go through every single day.

What I found really interesting about this seminar was a video with a real-life sex trade victim who recounted for all her 5-year experiences enslaved, tortured, and virtually alone. Alongside her in the video was too a real-life pimp, censored out for his own safety God-knows-why, who gave some insight on the general tactics, strategies, and process the average pimp goes through to lure a victim into “The Game.” Basically, what the pimps look for is someone who practically oozes low self-esteem through his or her body language, attitude, and overall appearance. They approach said person, appearing to be a concerned being who wants to help. The pimp takes the time to befriend and understand the person, assisting said person in any way possible. The pimp is always alert, remembering key details of one’s life as to use as possible blackmail in future circumstances.

The pimp, once he believes he has lured the person deep enough whether it be through purchasing the target goods or being a sturdy shoulder to lean on, then starts having frequent mood swings, one day being angry and aggressive, the other day telling the victim how much they care for him or her. This is to see whether or not the victim is strong yet weak enough to stay with the pimp through all his craziness. Finally, the pimp will approach the target with a problem or favour, usually sending the target unknowingly to their first client. The victim does the sexual deed, gets paid (possibly scolded by pimp for not asking for the money upfront), then gives a large cut of it to the pimp. If the victim comes to their senses right there and then, they could possibly avoid falling into this sex game. Unfortunately, it is common for the victim to not see themselves as a victim, instead showing their love for the pimp through uncanny circumstances, the sexual interactions, hence the Stockholm syndrome.

Much more can take place, such as the pimp branding their “property”, the pimp beating the victim, and the pimp blackmailing the victim into staying in the business. In the end, once you’re in the trade, it is definitely hard to get out. It is hard to believe that this happens everywhere, even in what you may believe to be the safest of communities.

The human trafficking business is scary, it really is. Yet, I did not write this to scare you or your kids. You don’t have to hide your kids or hide your wife. I wrote this, as I was told at the seminar, to empower readers to better understand the seriousness of this matter. The fact is, human trafficking is happening and it could be someone you know. There are signs. Look if your friend has expensive goods you know they couldn’t afford. Look for bruises. Look for signs of depression; has he or she been quitter or avoiding you more? Does he or she always seem to be somewhere you doubt they would visit on their own free will? Ask how they are doing, who they are seeing. Showing concern can be a confidence boost for a friend being trafficked. Never hesitate to call Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-8477), Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868), or the authorities if you are genuinely worried about someone. You never know how much you could be helping them. Remember this readers: NO ONE IS FOR SALE.

Angelous Ginanena.