Sexual Exploitation & Human Trafficking
What is Sexual Exploitation & Human Trafficking?
- Sexual Exploitation (in-person or online) refers to anyone under 18 years of age who is exchanging a sexual act for something in return. It involves manipulating, tricking, forcing, or blackmailing a young person. Sexual exploitation does not necessarily end at the age of 19. It is also present in the adult sex industry.
- Human trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation, harboring, and/or exercising control or influence over someone’s movements to exploit them, typically through sexual exploitation or forced labor.
Who is at risk?
Anyone is at risk, regardless of their background or status. However, these types of crimes mostly affect women and girls.
Groups who are at a greater risk include:
- Indigenous women and girls.
- Vulnerable youth or those involved in the child welfare or juvenile justice system.
- 2SLGBTQIA+ persons.
- Newcomers.
- Individuals who face social or economic barriers.
Key Terms to Know
What is grooming?
What is sexting?
What is sextortion?
What is capping?
It’s important to remember, these crimes are illegal and never the victim’s fault.
Free Online Training
- Notified – Virtual Training abut Online Sexual Exploitation of Youth in Canada (Coalition Against the Sexual Exploitation of Youth (CASEY))
- Interactive E-Learning Course – Mobilizing Communities to Disrupt Sexual Exploitation and Sex Trafficking in Canada (Not in My City)
- Human Trafficking 101 (Action Coalition on Human Trafficking (ACT) Alberta)
- Grooming for the Purposes of Exploitation and Abuse: What Caregivers and Educators Should Know Webinar (Saskatchewan Prevention Institute)
- The Parent Network: Social Media and Your Kids Workshop (Media Smarts)
- Zoe & Molly Online – Comics, games and safety tips for children (Canadian Centre for Child Protection)
Video Playlist: What is Youth Sexual Exploitation?
Check out the video playlist, “What is Youth Sexual Exploitation,” from Thrive Community Youth Network.