Types of Human Trafficking

 

International Trafficking vs Domestic Trafficking

International Trafficking occurs when a trafficked person crosses and international boarder for the purposes of exploitation. The immigration status or documentation of a victim of international trafficking is irrelevant to the crime.

Domestic Trafficking occurs when a trafficked person remains in the country in which they are exploited. Domestic trafficking can occur to foreign nationals within a country. The term domestic trafficking simply refers to situations in which trafficked persons do not cross international borders.

 
Labour trafficking can happen in any setting including construction. (Shutterstock.com)

Labour trafficking can happen in any setting including construction.

Labour trafficking, forced labour or labour exploitation

Labour trafficking refers to trafficking in which someone’s labour is exploited for the benefit of their trafficker.

Labour trafficking can happen in any setting in which labour can occur and be exploited for another’s benefit, but common industries include:

  • Construction

  • Spas, salons and esthetic services

  • Restaurants & Hospitality (eg. hotels)

  • Agricuture

  • Manufacturing

In some cases those who experience labour trafficking also face sexual abuse and violence.


Sex trafficking or sexual exploitation

Sex trafficking refers to the trafficking situation in which someone is exploited for the purposes of sex or sexual services.

Sex trafficking or sexual exploitation can occur in a variety of settings including:

  • Massage parlours/saunas

  • Erotic dancing

  • Websites (eg. LeoList), dating apps & social media

  • Internet chat rooms

  • Hotels and short-term rental units

Sex Trafficking vs Sex Work - When a person is trafficked for sexual purposes, the trafficked person is exploited by a trafficker. However, when someone autonomously engages in the sex trade, this can be defined as sex work and the individual as a sex worker.

Social media apps are a way for traffickers to recruit and exploit young people. (Shutterstock.com)

Social media apps are a way for traffickers to recruit and exploit young people.


“Domestic work is a sector which is particularly vulnerable to exploitation…because of the unique circumstances of working inside a private household combined with a lack of legal protection.” - AntiSlavery.org (Shutterstock.com)

“Domestic work is a sector which is particularly vulnerable to exploitation…because of the unique circumstances of working inside a private household combined with a lack of legal protection.”
AntiSlavery.org

Domestic servitude

Domestic servitude is a form of labour trafficking in which someone is exploited within a private household. Domestic workers can be employed to perform various duties including cooking, cleaning, laundry, elder care and running errands. In some cases, domestic workers in live in the employer’s home.

Trafficking occurs when:

  • movement is controlled (not allowed to leave the house),

  • wages are not paid,

  • workers are threatened or abused,

  • identity documents are withheld,

  • contact with family is monitored or controlled,

  • and/or they are forced to work or perform duties outside of the scope of what was previously agreed.


FORCED CRIMINALITY

Forced criminality occurs when an individual is forced, coerced or deceived into participating in criminal activity at the benefit of a trafficker or exploiter. Forced criminality often occurs in conjunction with sex trafficking or labour trafficking.

Forced criminal activity can include:

  • Drug trade (trafficking, distribution, etc.)

  • ATM Theft

  • Fraud (credit card, social welfare, etc.)

  • Selling of counterfeit goods

  • Begging, pick-pocketing, bag snatching

Forced criminality often occurs in conjunction with sex trafficking or labour trafficking.


It is illegal to take a minor outside of Canada for the purposes of marriage, even if they “consent.”

FORCED MARRIAGE

Forced marriage occurs when someone is pressured or forced into marrying someone. Forced marriage can happen internationally and domestically.

Myth: Forced marriage is the same as arranged marriages.

Reality: Forced marriage is not the same as the arranged marriage, in which family members may recommend a marriage partner. In this case, both people agree to the union and choose to marry the potential partner.

For more information on safety measures or supporting or supporting someone who believes they may be at risk of being forced into marriage, please see the Government of Canada’s website resource.


ORGAN TRAFFICKING/HARVESTING

According to Stop the Traffik, “trafficking in organs involves removing a part of the body, commonly the kidneys and liver, to sell often as an illegal trade.

Organs can be taken in a number of ways:

  • Trade: a victim formally or informally agrees to sell an organ, but are then cheated because they are not paid for the organ, or are paid less than the promised price;

  • Aliment: a vulnerable person is treated for an ailment, which may or may not exist, and the organs are removed without the victim’s knowledge; and

  • Extortion: a victim may be kidnapped from their family and organs removed without consent.”


 

For more information about types of trafficking, identifying trafficking, and how to support survivors, please see the Hamilton Coalition Against Human Trafficking’s “Guide to Supporting Trafficked Persons.”