A 60-year-old Chatham-Kent man is facing charges related to human trafficking.
Last month, police received information about a case involving domestic abuse, and the human trafficking of a local woman by an intimate partner.
The man was arrested Tuesday and the charges include assault, sexual assault, human trafficking, and procuring.
“Human trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation or harboring of persons for the purposes of exploitation, typically in the sex industry or for forced labour,” says Chatham-Kent Police Chief Gary Conn. “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. 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.”
Conn says he can’t address this specific example as the case is now before the courts.
The accused will appear in court November 24th.
Warning signs that someone may be being exploited:
- 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/
