Saskatchewan RCMP are shedding more light on the issue and crime of human trafficking after a disturbing case surfaced in the province last week.
The Mounties announced Thursday they had laid charges following revelations that a woman who relocated to Saskatchewan was being forced to work 10-12 hour days seven days a week while living in a dimly lit, unfinished basement.
RCMP Superintendent Glenn Church says they've noticed a disturbing trend as of late.
"We have seen it growing in Canada, and in the province, which is one of the reasons that we've began to focus resources on this particular issue," said Church, who added that Saskatchewan has a slightly elevated rate compared to other provinces, according to Statistics Canada.
He said there are two types of trafficking that they most commonly see.
"I think everybody's familiar with sex trafficking and understands that a little more clearly, but then the other type is labour trafficking, which is an example of what we saw last week in the Tisdale and Elrose area," Church said.
He added that there are important signs to watch for in order to identify cases of human trafficking.
"The overall indicator is that someone doesn't appear to be in control of themselves, or someone else is controlling their movements and their behaviour," Church said. "Things that we watch for are, if someone is being watched or escorted or followed in the community, if they don't seem to have control of their own documentation."
"If when they're asked a question, someone else tends to answer the questions for them...that's a great indicator."
Church said signs of physical abuse are another obvious indictor.
He added that the RCMP have created trafficking response teams with specialized resources and training, in an effort of providing compelling evidence to Crown Prosecutors.
Church said it's important that trafficking victims reach out for help.
"It's tough to imagine being in that position. If you are able to reach out, please do. If there's anyway that you can get ahold of your local police agency, we're definitely there to help," Church said.
"I know that some of the vulnerable communities that are being exploited come from other countries during the immigration process, and maybe their trust in police isn't quite the same as what it is here, so I would just highly recommend that they reach out to somebody for help as long as they know that they can remain safe."