HUMAN TRAFFICKING SAFETY & Support Guide (Canada)

You’re not alone. Reading this doesn’t mean something bad is happening, and it doesn’t mean you have to do anything right now. Support is available at your pace. If You Are in Immediate Danger Call 911!

If You Want Confidential Support (Canada-Wide) Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline (24/7): 1-833-900-1010
Confidential, not police, can connect you to local supports across Canada.

National Overdose Response Service (NORS) (24/7): Call/Text 1-888-688-6677. Email: weloveyou@nors.ca
Peer run, confidential overdose prevention support (useful if substance use is part of risk).

Common Risk Indicators (Guidance, not a Checklist)

These signs can show up on their own or together. Having one sign does not automatically mean trafficking. Every situation is different. Sometimes what matters most is how it feels.

Control over daily life

• Someone else decides where you go, when you sleep, where you live, or who you see

• Your ID, phone, money, bank card, or passport may be held “for safekeeping”

• You may need permission to eat, rest, work, or leave

• Pressure to keep secrets

• Being told not to talk about work, housing, travel, injuries, or relationships

• Being coached on what to say if someone asks questions

• Hearing things like “This is our business,” “No one would understand,” or “You’ll get in trouble” If you’re being told to stay quiet to stay safe, that’s a concern.

Fear of consequences

• Worry about punishment, deportation, arrest, losing housing, or someone getting hurt

• Fear increases when you ask for help or mention leaving

• Feeling trapped even if doors aren’t locked

Isolation and monitoring

• Little or no contact with friends, family, or community

• Someone reads your messages, listens to calls, or answers questions for you

• You give rehearsed or inconsistent answers because it feels safer

Coercion, debt, or “rules”

• Owing money that keeps growing or never seems repayable

• Threats, manipulation, guilt, or shame used to control you

• Rules you didn’t agree to -and can’t safely break

Safer Ways to Reach Out (Low-Risk Steps)

Your safety comes first. You decide if, when, and how to reach out. Use a private phone or device if you can.

If you feel watched:

• Call or text from a public place (store, library, clinic & fast-food restaurants)

• Ask a trusted person to sit with you or help make the call (i.e., a social worker if you have, or NORS line worker can help assist)

Clear ways to start a conversation:

“I’m worried about someone’s safety and want to talk through options confidentially.”

“I’m not sure what’s going on, but I don’t feel safe and need information.”

You do not have to report, give details, or act unless you choose to

What to Share When You Contact Supports (Only What’s Safe)

Share as little or as much as you want. You stay in control.

• Your first name or no name at all

• A safe way to contact you back (or ask not to be contacted)

• Where you are now (city/province) and whether it’s safe to talk

Any urgent needs

• Medical care

• Immediate danger

• Children or dependents involved

What kind of help you want

• Information only

• Safety planning

• Shelter or housing

• Counselling or peer support

• Legal information

• Transportation or exit planning

Key Reassurance

• You are not required to prove anything

• Help can be confidential and non-judgmental

• Support services exist to reduce risk, not increase it

• Add a gentle disclaimer or grounding language at the end

Examples:

1. You are not alone. Reading this does not mean something bad is

happening or that you must act. If any part of this feels familiar or

concerning, support is available at your pace. You get to decide what help

looks like for you.

2. This information is here to support awareness and safety-not to label or

diagnose. If anything, here brings up worry or strong feelings, pause, take

a breath, and notice where you are right now. You are in control of what

steps, if any, you take next.

3. Everyone’s situation is different. These signs do not define you or your

current lifestyle. Support services are meant to reduce harm and increase

options not to judge, force decisions, or create trouble.

For Friends / Family / Helpers

Don’t confront a possible controller. (this could cause more abuse)

Offer choices: “Do you want me to sit with you while you call/text?”

Keep notes only if safe; never store info where it could be found.

Provincial & Territorial Contacts (Primary Pathways)

You’re not alone. Reading this doesn’t mean something bad is happening, and it

doesn’t mean you have to do anything right now.

If any part of this feels familiar or brings up concern, it’s okay to pause. Take a

breath. Notice where you are in this moment. You get to decide what-if anything -

happens next.

Support is available at your pace.

Tip: If you’re unsure who to call locally, the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline can

connect you. The contacts below are general victim/community pathways that can

help you navigate services discreetly.

1-(833)-900-1010

Available 24/7, confidential, and toll-free

Also supports text and online chat

Service available across Canada, in multiple languages.

Provincial Help Lines