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Human trafficking isn’t limited to large cities—it can happen in towns and smaller communities across the province and country.
The RCMP is reminding the public of the importance of recognizing the signs of human trafficking and reporting suspected cases to police immediately.
Saskatchewan RCMP’s Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Teams (SERT) Human Trafficking and Counter Exploitation Unit (HTCEU) targets offenders and criminal groups engaged in human trafficking. The unit works in partnership with the Regina Police Service, providing specialized support to both RCMP detachments and municipal police agencies across the province.
“Ensuring the safety and security of the victim is always the main goal in investigations. That’s why the Saskatchewan RCMP takes a victim-centered, trauma-informed response to human trafficking,” said Sergeant Danny Donison, Saskatchewan RCMP SERT south region manager and head of the HTCEU.
Recognizing and reporting human trafficking:
Anyone can be a target of human trafficking. Victims may be trafficked by someone they know, including a current or former partner, family member, friend or someone they trust. Recruitment tactics are often subtle, and victims may not realize they are being trafficked.
A victim of human trafficking may show one or more of the following signs:
- They don’t have access to their ID, passport or cell phone.
- They are under 18 and travelling with an adult who is not their parent or legal guardian.
- They are unfamiliar with their surroundings or unaware of what city or town they’re in.
- They appear to be in a controlling or abusive relationship.
- They exhibit signs of trauma, such as burns, bruises or cuts.
- They show signs of malnourishment or fatigue.
“Saskatchewan residents know their communities better than anyone else. Recognizing and reporting suspected trafficking is essential to holding perpetrators accountable.”
Traffickers may target victims by:
- Pretending to be a love interest, friend or support person.
- Connecting over social media or in person.
- Offering gifts or money.
- Introducing drugs or alcohol.
- Threatening a victim’s loved ones.
Anyone who suspects someone is a victim of human trafficking should call 310-RCMP or their local police immediately. More information is available here.
The public can also contact the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010. The hotline is confidential, available 24/7 and offers services in more than 200 languages. Information can also be submitted anonymously through Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.