Human trafficking survivor speaks at event to raise awareness about rising rates
Krystal Brooks was just 16 when she became a victim of human trafficking, an ordeal she shared during a human trafficking awareness event at Georgian College on Monday, held in honour of Red Dress Day.
"I don't like sharing my story, [but] I share it because there are so few stories out there. It's very hard to share," revealed the Rama First Nation woman.
"I think the biggest thing I want people to know is that we all play a role in combatting human trafficking, and where missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people are concerned, we all play a role in that," Brooks added.
In Simcoe County, human trafficking rates are more than two times the national average, and 50 per cent of trafficked women are Indigenous.
Amy Vanderzyde, Mental Health and Addiction Anti-Human Trafficking liaison at Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) highlighted the County's vulnerability to trafficking due to its location along major highways.
"Simcoe County is this great stopping point along the highway where you're seeing it. It takes the average survivor seven times to successfully exit trafficking, and, you know, that number is increasing," said Vanderzyde.
"This isn't just an Indigenous peoples' problem. Human trafficking is a Simcoe County problem, it's an Ontario problem, it's a nationwide problem, and the more that we have conversations about it, the more we can ensure the issue is being combatted," Georgian College Indigenization Initiatives lead Tiffany McCue.
Vanderzyde pointed to signs of human trafficking, including unusual groupings of people at rest stops along highways and indicators of physical abuse or malnourishment, that the public should be aware of.
"If you're driving along the 401 and you're stopping at an ONroute there could be a car full of women and one guy, or a guy and girl, and malnourishment is a really big thing. Bruising and lack of eye contact is a really big one," noted Vanderzyde, adding that anyone who suspects human trafficking should call the Canadian human trafficking hotline or the authorities.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
At least 60 reports of Lyme disease so far as Ontario enters tick season
Peak tick season is only just beginning but reports of bites – and tick-borne illnesses – are already higher than normal in Ontario.
Pope apologizes after using 'homophobic terms'
Pope Francis apologized Tuesday after he was quoted using a vulgar term about gays to reaffirm the Catholic Church’s ban on gay priests.
Severe thunderstorms, 15 cm of snow: Canadian weather forecast highlights
Well into spring, some parts of Canada could experience a wintry comeback, while other areas are bracing for severe thunderstorms, according to local forecasts.
Teen was doing homework at family's Mississauga, Ont. restaurant when gunman opened fire: testimony
The 13-year-old sister of a young man killed in the attack on her family’s Mississauga restaurant in 2021 took the stand in a Brampton courthouse on Monday to describe the terrifying moments of coming under fire.
House from 'Home Alone' hits the market for US$5.25 million
Kevin McCallister’s childhood home has hit the market for US$5.25 million. At just over 9,000 square feet, the house from the 'Home Alone' movie was last sold in 2012 for $1,585,000.
Tornado touches down west of the Island of Montreal
Emergency services in the town of Rigaud, Que. are investigating after a tornado touched down shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Friday.
More Canadians only making minimum payment on credit cards: TransUnion
Some Canadians are seeing their credit card balances grow as the cost-of-living crisis and higher interest rates eat into household budgets, a new report shows.
Israeli tanks advance into Rafah's centre despite global outcry
Israeli tanks advanced to the centre of Rafah for the first time on Tuesday, witnesses said, three weeks into a ground offensive in the southern Gaza city that has stirred global condemnation for its continued civilian toll.
What a CBSA strike could look like, according to an expert
Slowed or interrupted travel, the passing of goods and significantly restricted borders should be expected if Canadian border workers take upcoming strike action.