THE OPPORTUNITY
Domestic human trafficking (commercial sexual exploitation) in Canada is no longer a hidden secret of traffickers and johns - those that buy and sell our girls and boys. In our communities there are hundreds of victims that from the age of 14 were sexually assaulted for years. In 2021 Durham region alone reported 226 victims freed from their exploitation. In 2020 York Region identified 291 victims.
Dispelling the myths that victims are problem children from vulnerable communities they are taken from neighbourhoods and schools (high schools, colleges, and universities) from every economic class. Once our children they became a commodity bought by our fellow community members.
Post exploitation their victimization continues. Unable to access safe and affordable housing they remain at risk. Having generated hundreds of thousands of dollars each year taken by their trafficker they are denied funding for post secondary education programs.
The Concord Adex Survivors fund has been provided long term sustainable housing in 4 communities across Ontario. Entering post secondary programs in law, business, psychology, social work, and trades their grades place them at the top of their classmates.
Once regarded as a commodity they are becoming leaders in our businesses and in our communities.
