Overlooked, neglected, and ignored. Those are the exact words I would use to describe the sex trafficking issue that exists within the city of Toronto. Now, as I write this blog entry, I’m sitting in the Ryerson Student Learning Centre, surrounded by two of my closest friends. The biggest problems I’ve faced this week are walking across campus only to realize that I’ve forgotten my wallet at home, and stressing about my calculus midterm coming up. Little do I think about the real problems that are going on around me as I write, problems such as sex trafficking. Sex trafficking is a growing issue, that only becomes more prevalent as we speak. However, little is being done to shed light on this matter to the public. Why? That’s something I can’t quite comprehend either.
The problem our society has is that there seems to be a lack of awareness towards the situation. It is overlooked because it’s been built into our brains to think that because we live in a first world country like Canada, we’re safe. We are naive, and believe that a problem like this could never happen within our very own community. We think that things like this only happen overseas, far far away from us; howwver, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Sex trafficking is a very legitimate problem we face here in Toronto. In fact, according to the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation is the fastest growing crime in Toronto. It’s happening right now, and might even be taking place within a few blocks radius of where you are right now.
Before I go any further, let me define sex trafficking. As stated on the Journal of Urban Health, sex trafficking is a “ form of human trafficking for the purpose of forced sexual exploitation” that puts the victim through means of threat, of force “or other forms of cocercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability”. The facts of this issue are absolutely sickening. According to the Toronto Sun, “the average age of entry for victims is between 12 to 14 years old.” This is not fair. No one should ever have to go through such an experience, let alone a young child. Now, the scary thing is, most victims don’t even realize they’ve gotten themselves into a position where they’re subject to sex trafficking until it happens. Take Silvia’s story for example, a 14 year old girl from Toronto who shared her story on the Toronto Sun:
“ A typical teenager, she spent much of her time connecting with peers on social media. Silvia would chat for hours with her friends, post pictures and make plans for the weekend. One evening, the teen was invited to a party by a friend of a friend who assured her that she would know others there. She didn’t know anyone else, but the boy who invited her was particularly friendly to the girl. After the party, they spent time together. Older than Silvia, he showered her with affection, thoughtful gifts and promises. Compelling for an impressionable young girl. Soon after having gained her confidence, Silvia’s “boyfriend” said he was worried about money and needed her help.It would only be a few weeks and then they could have a life together. Unaware, vulnerable and wanting to please, Silvia was held against her will at a hotel for over two weeks, and forced to have sex with as many men as her boyfriend could solicit.”
Situations like Silvia’s are what make sex trafficking such a hard issue to tackle. The incidents can happen anywhere, which is what makes them so hard to track. But, we can still work towards solutions. Awareness is ultimately the most important thing we can work on as a city. Education on the topic at hand should and must be imparted to children from a young age, thereby educating those who are most vulnerable. Further, as these children grow up, they will have the knowledge to better avoid dangerous situations that eventually lead to sex trafficking. Education will also help us in terms of the public being more observant. Sex trafficking won’t go away for good; it never will. But, by being more informed citizens, we will be able to help victims by noticing the warning signs quicker. We’ll be better at recognizing the big indicators, and better at responding to these situations; “It’s OK to be wrong, but being right could truly save someone’s life” (Toronto Sun).
Till my next post.
-Andrea
LINKS:
BLOGGING THE JUST CITY 2020 