This morning (Thursday), a flag-raising took place in front of city hall in St. Thomas in recognition of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Canada.
The day was proclaimed as such in the House of Commons in February of 2021 and coincides with the 2007 declaration condemning all forms of human trafficking and slavery.
At city hall Natalie Redman, Executive Director of Victim Services Elgin, stressed it is not just a big city problem.
Human Trafficking is a grave violation of human rights that often targets the most vulnerable, with women, children and youth among those at highest risk.
Redman advised community supports are available to assist victims.
Sixty per cent of all of Canada’s human trafficking can be linked in some way to activities that occur along the 401 corridor across southern Ontario.
And the impact of those activities ripples down into St. Thomas and Elgin county.
Redman explained young people are particularly vulnerable.
For more information or if you have concerns someone you know may be a victim, contact Victim Services Elgin at (519) 631-3182.
