Warning: This article contains a graphic image and details that may be disturbing to some. Research has shown that sex trafficking is rampant. In urban centres and rural communities across Canada, children, teenagers and young adults are being sold for sex at an alarming rate. According to statistics Canada, one in four victims of human trafficking are children and youth - while 24 per cent of victims are under the age of Nicole, who asked that we only use her first name, grew up in rural Manitoba in a loving supportive home.
My parents had no idea this was happening to me. Nicole was attacked by a dog as a child. While her physical injuries healed, her face was left with some scarring which subsequently led to her growing up feeling self-conscious of her appearance.
That is, until she met an older man through a friend who made her feel valued. More than a decade ago, former conservative MP Joy Smith championed legislation that ultimately strengthened sentencing for traffickers operating in and outside of Canada. She then created the Joy Smith Foundation, a non-profit that works to create awareness and education around human trafficking.
For Nicole, her trafficker moved her to Toronto, away from the safety-net of friends and family. He began verbally abusing her, then it turned physical. Like the time she had a lit cigar put out on her arm. Nicole says her trafficker told her he was going to marry her and the money they were making was to buy a house and start a new life together.
Under his instruction she began working at a strip club. Next she was instructed to go out for dinner with men. Eventually she was then told to do much more. If she threatened to run away, her trafficker would threaten to harm her parents. As she recounts this threat, Nicole takes a deep breath,. For two years Nicole lived in this cycle of abuse, sexual exploitation and assault.
