By: Stephanie Mak The art of making mistakes is learning how to take corrective action for the future. Yet are some mistakes worth making at all? Even if the mistake frees you from more trauma yet puts your future into jeopardy? These questions may be at the back of the mind for Pieper Lewis, who is currently 18 years-old yet […]
Human trafficking usually refers to the action of transporting people illicitly to do illegal activities, which include forced labour, sexual activities, and other possible drug trade activities. Poverty, sexism, racism, wage inequality, lack of education, social support, and employment opportunities are all factors that contribute to human trafficking. Canada divides its effort to combat human trafficking into four sections: the […]
By: Emily A mother once declared, “My family is finally complete,” and a sister rejoiced, “My younger brother returned, just as I imagined.” A brother, filled with anticipation, exclaimed, “I will love him, for he is my long-lost sibling.” These heartfelt sentiments stem from a simple family that endured unimaginable pain. Fourteen years ago, their son was trafficked, all because […]
Orange Shirt Day, observed annually on September 30th, was initiated in 2013 to remember the impact of residential schools on Indigenous children and communities. The event takes its name from the story of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, who had her new orange shirt taken away upon her arrival at a residential school. The orange shirt symbolizes the loss of identity, culture, […]
Physical Health Consequences Human trafficking victims endure severe physical health consequences resulting from the abuse and exploitation they experience. Traffickers subject their victims to physical violence, neglect, and gruelling labour, causing a wide range of injuries such as fractures, burns, and wounds. A study by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that 43% of trafficked individuals experienced physical violence […]
TW: Sexual assault, violence, misogyny, and sex trafficking Andrew Tate, dubbed the “King of Toxic Masculinity,” is a former professional kickboxer and internet personality. The newly-banned TikTok star recently received backlash for his controversial and misogynistic messages, broadcasted on some of the largest platforms in the world. Recently, he tweeted that women are a man’s physical and financial property and […]
The rise of the Internet and digital platforms allow many around the world to perform activities with ease and flexibility, bridging the gaps of distance and income. However, with this, human traffickers have also gained advantages by exploiting digital systems, expanding their reach to many more. As traditional barriers of physical and geological limitations are removed and the tools offered […]
By: Daphne Trigger Warning: The following content includes topics that may be triggering. Reader discretion is advised. “This case is not about a celebrity who likes to party a lot. This case is about a predator,” Maria Cruz Melendez, assistant US attorney, told the jury during the first day of the R. Kelly federal trial in New York. Elizabeth Geddes, […]
Human trafficking is a global crisis that knows no borders, affecting millions of individuals across the world. It is a modern-day form of slavery that strips individuals of their freedom, dignity, and basic human rights. To combat this grave issue, the international community has united to observe World Day Against Human Trafficking on July 30th annually. This day serves as […]
Police forces across Ontario have recently introduced a new human trafficking strategy: the Provincial Human Trafficking Intelligence-led Joint Forces Strategy (IJFS). The development of IJFS is a part of the province’s five-year anti-human trafficking plan. Since its launch in 2020, the provincial authorities have improved in their precision, making over 50 charges following the strategy’s execution. One case in particular […]