Last month, police received information regarding domestic abuse and the human trafficking of a local woman by an intimate partner.
Yesterday, the 60-year-old Chatham-Kent man was arrested and charged with multiple criminal offences, including those related to Human Trafficking:
– Sexual Assault
– Assault
– Assault
– Human Trafficking
– Receiving Material Benefit resulting from Trafficking in Persons
– Derive Material Benefit
– Exercising Control
– Procuring
– Advertise Sexual Services
He has been released pending a future court date of November 24, 2020.
“Human trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation or harbouring of persons for the purposes of exploitation, typically in the sex industry or for forced labour,” stated Chief Gary Conn in a media release.
“The reality is that human trafficking is real and it is here in our community. Human trafficking is a complex and hidden crime. It is also a human rights violation that results in serious and long-term trauma for survivors.”
Chief Conn added: “Although we can’t provide more information regarding this specific investigation, as the matter is now before the courts, we would like to encourage those, who believe they may be a victim of human trafficking or know of someone who is being exploited, to please find the strength to come forward. Help and support services are available.”
Police officials say some warning signs that someone may be being exploited, include:
– Fear for one’s safety or the safety of a loved one
– Unexplained bruises or other signs of physical abuse
– Tattoos or branding
– Lack of life’s necessities (medical care, food, clothing)
– New expensive clothing, purses, jewelry
– Addiction to drugs and / or alcohol
– Changes in behaviour (depression, anxiety)
– Freedom of movement (seems to be restricted)
– Cryptic text messages and conversations
– No passport or identification
– A new partner and / or friends nobody knows
– Signs of isolation
For more information about human trafficking, please see https://www.ontario.ca/page/human-trafficking or https://www.canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca/
The Chatham-Kent Police would like to remind everyone that support services are available through CK Victim Services: https://ckvictimservices.com/
