Human Trafficking in Alberta. SETA Conference October 1, 2018

Transcription

1 Human Trafficking in Alberta SETA Conference October 1, 2018

2 About ACT Alberta

3 Our Mission and Values Our Mission ACT Alberta will increase knowledge and awareness on human trafficking, advocate for effective rights based responses, build capacity of all involved stakeholders, and lead and foster collaboration for joint action against human trafficking. Our Values 1. Human rights-based and victim-centered 2. Collaboration 3. Diversity 4. Evidence-based

4 What we do Coordinate and provide services to victims Research and data analysis Training and education

5 About Human Trafficking

6 UN Trafficking Protocol

7 Types of Trafficking 37% International - when an international border is crossed Unknown 59% Internal - When all elements occur within state boundaries 4% Source: ACT Internal Alberta ACT internal Alberta statistics data, (2017)

8 Smuggling vs. Trafficking Smuggling - May or may not cross borders - Crime against a person - Not voluntary - Does not end upon arrival; individual continues to be exploited for labour or services - International borders crossed - Crime against the state - Voluntary agreement - Relationship with smuggler ends once the person is brought over the border Trafficking

9 Myths Chains, barcodes & suitcases Hollywood is not reality Only women are affected 1 in 4 victims are men Trafficking is about sex Multiple forms of exploitation /10/Modern-Day_Slavery.php 06/29/46573/prisoner -humantrafficking.jpg%3ft%3 D

10 Myths Traffickers are organized criminals Friends, boyfriends, employers, family members, gangs, etc. Victims are always scared and eager for help Trauma, mental health, addiction, criminal history, sex workers, etc. Only foreigners and newcomers are affected About half our clients are Canadian born

11 Human Trafficking in Alberta

12 Labour Trafficking Trends Labour trafficking into legal industries: agriculture, construction, retail, restaurants, hotels, nail salons, caregivers Vast majority come through legal means (esp. low wage stream of Temporary Foreign Worker Program, also some visitors and students) So far, every geographic region but Oceania (and Antarctica) Many popular and successful businesses in Edmonton & Calgary. Primarily small businesses and franchises.

13 ACT Alberta Cases and Trends ACT Alberta Cases of Human Trafficking Labour & Sex 5% ACT Alberta Cases of Human Trafficking, by Purpose Other 2% Labour 41% Sex 52% Cases included are those with significant elements of human trafficking, and are based on all of ACT Alberta's referrals since 2008.

14 ACT Alberta Cases and Trends ACT Alberta Cases of Human Trafficking, by Type (2016) International Internal Labour Sex Labour & Sex ACT Alberta Cases of Human Trafficking, by Gender (2016) Female Male Transgender Labour Sex LabourSex Cases included are those with significant elements of human trafficking, and are based on all of ACT Alberta's referrals in 2016.

15 Example: Int l Labour Trafficking Joyce s story Recruited by her uncle to work as a nanny in Alberta took courses, and acquired work permit Worked 14 hour days care giving, cooking, housekeeping, laundry Slept on a cot in the kitchen Unpaid sexual assault Documents kept by employer Restricted communications Fled the home to contact police

16 Elements of Human Trafficking Recruited for Employment - Recruited by Uncle - Live in Caregiver program - Took required courses - Acquired work permit Abuse - Sexual assault (control/fear) Held Documents Restricted Communications - No one outside of household - Monitored calls with family (forced to lie about circumstances) Caregiver Program - Worked 14hr days - Unpaid

17 Example: Internal Sex Trafficking Sharon s story Background of abuse Groomed by a man at a party bought her gifts and made her feel loved Expected her to pay him back, was violent and abusive to her. She began using drugs, became pregnant

18 Elements of Human Trafficking Romantic Relationship ( Grooming ) -Hope of a life together -Bought her clothes and other gifts -Bound her to him through a romantic relationship Manipulation - Created a false relationship Threats & Abuse -Physical abuse Forced Sex Work - Had to work parties and on the street to pay Austin what he demanded

19 Charges and Convictions in Canada As of November 2017 (RCMP): cases since 2005 where human trafficking specific charges were laid. Of the 455 cases: 433 are domestic (primarily sexual exploitation) 22 are international (primarily for forced labour) 118 have successfully resulted in human trafficking specific and/or related convictions (i.e. Procuring, Living off the avails of prostitution, Forcible confinement, Keeping a common bawdy house, etc.) - Note: There are no laws against forced labour in Canada

20 Charges and Convictions in Canada 296 remain before the court (involving approximately 506 accused and 420 victims) The longest sentence for human trafficking for: sexual exploitation was 23 years (conviction by judge) forced labour was 9 years (guilty plea) Note: There are no laws against forcedlabour in Canada.

21 Other Canadian Responses Human Trafficking National Coordination Centre (2005) Human trafficking specific Temporary Resident Permits (as of 2006) National Action Plan ( ) Human Trafficking National Taskforce (2012-)

22 How would I recognize a victim?

23 General Indicators Evidence of control, such as: - Being escorted or watched - Not speaking on own behalf - Passport or other identification being held, no health care benefits Limited knowledge about how to get around in a community or the local language Living on or near where they work, unable to leave Lack of private space, personal possessions, financial records Frequently moved Receive little or no payment

24 Indicators: Sex Trafficking Have few personal possessions Have tattoos or other marks indicating ownership Work long hours Is controlled and/or escorted wherever s/he goes Show signs of physical abuse and fear Owe a large debt s/he is paying off

25 Indicators: Labour Trafficking Unreasonable living or working conditions (e.g. excessive hours, dirty, dangerous, hot bedding) Have no access to earnings Have no access to personal ID (i.e. Passport) Paid for recruitment or work permit; disciplined through fines Job was not as it was described Health issues as a result of employment (e.g. hearing loss, respiratory problems) Depend on employer for more than employment

26 Immediate Needs Security/protection Interpreter Emergency shelter Emergency Healthcare Food Transportation Accompaniment

27 Short Term Needs Security Interpreter Language courses Stabilization of status Job placement/income support Advice/info Continued Health Care Criminal prosecution of traffickers Legal support Court prep

28 Barriers to Assisting Difficulties trusting and fear of authorities Language barriers Shame, self-blame Unaware of their legal rights Behavioral issues, addictions, mental illness

29 Barriers to Assisting Unable or unwilling to identify as trafficked or victimized Fear of traffickers Immigration status issues and fear of authorities Criminal charges or ongoing criminal behavior Unclear story. It may take months for whole story to be unveiled, sometimes due to fear of some consequence

30 The Victim Assistance Process

31 Victim Assistance Process ACT Alberta 1. Victim is identified and referred to ACT Alberta 2. Needs Assessment completed 3. Stakeholders are convened to ensure client needs are met 4. ACT Alberta supports client & organization(s) as needed

32 What You Can Do

33 Be Part of the Solution!

34 Want to learn more? The BC Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons has a free online training that provides a basic overview of human trafficking in Canada. Fraser Valley Health has a free online module, Human Trafficking: Help Don t Hinder, that provides information on how to identify and respond to potential victims of human trafficking who present in a hospital Emergency Department.

35 Thank you! Questions?