At least 75% of survivors of human trafficking who were referred to Victim Services of Kingston and Frontenac had previously accessed support from the organization, as per staff reports. The executive director, Paula Laughlin, described this as a concerning trend that prompted a reevaluation of why individuals were repeatedly seeking assistance and facing re-traumatization.
Recognizing the importance of addressing long-term needs alongside immediate crisis intervention, the organization launched EMBER in September. This empowerment-based response was developed by the local victim services team to provide comprehensive support to survivors and prevent traffickers from exploiting gaps in services.
Annette Cadieux, leading the regional human trafficking response, highlighted that over 200 individuals identifying as trafficking victims sought help at Kingston Police headquarters last year. A significant number were Indigenous and had intellectual disabilities, increasing their vulnerability. Kingston’s location along the Highway 401 corridor has made it a target for traffickers, resulting in a rise in trafficking cases.
Despite the growing prevalence of trafficking, community awareness remains limited. Cadieux emphasized the disturbing trend of victims becoming younger, with cases starting as early as age 10. Statistics Canada data revealed a concerning increase in reported human trafficking incidents, with a majority involving multiple violations, particularly in the sex trade and physical assault.
The team’s focus is on breaking the cycle of victimization by providing continuous support and opportunities for survivors to regain control of their lives through EMBER. By offering a safety net and a supportive environment, the program aims to empower survivors and prevent them from falling back into exploitative situations.
Indigenous health nurse Anne Marie Batten acknowledged the challenges of recidivism among vulnerable individuals targeted by traffickers. EMBER’s approach of creating a supportive community and providing practical skills training is seen as crucial in helping survivors rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Plans are underway to engage community members as mentors and offer training sessions to further enhance support for survivors.