07/30/2025
Human trafficking is a methodical system of control, often rooted in relationships, gender-based violence, and exploitation. Survivors are frequently forced to commit crimes or recruit others, placing them at risk of arrest and prosecution while their traffickers evade accountability.
In Canada, it takes an average of 358 days for trafficking cases to go through the courts. For survivors, that’s nearly a year of retraumatizing testimony, emotional strain, and legal uncertainty.
We must recognize that:
🔹 Many survivors know their traffickers — as relatives, partners, or friends.
🔹 The court process can feel like punishment, not protection.
🔹 Traffickers often use victims to shield themselves from prosecution.
🔹 Women, particularly female-identified individuals, are disproportionately impacted — as both survivors and those criminalized.
To Learn more visit
https://www.victimservicestoronto.com/websites/vst/files/VST2402-GuidingPrinciples-JNE6_C.pdf
Quote source: https://torontosun.com/opinion/columnists/harvey-its-time-to-stop-punishing-human-trafficking-survivors
