Ontario is enhancing its ability to fight human trafficking by providing additional support to prevent, deter and denounce human exploitation and provide support for victims of this terrible crime.

The province is launching a coordinated, multi-pronged approach to combat the crime of human trafficking and raise awareness. Initiatives will focus on prevention, enforcement and support for victims, including:

• A 24/7 crisis hotline to provide help for victims (launched by spring 2011)
• Additional support to emergency services and community agencies to better assist victims of human trafficking
• New specialized human trafficking Crown attorneys to help build strong cases and prosecute offenders
• Targeted enforcement initiatives by the Ontario Provincial Police, Peel Regional Police and Toronto Police Services
• Financial support for projects driven by local police services to fight human trafficking in their communities
• An awareness campaign to help victims.

Ontario is also establishing a human trafficking advisory committee made up of police services representatives, victim services providers, survivors and experts. The committee will provide advice on future initiatives and help ensure victims have access to specialized services that will help them escape their current situation and find the support they need to regain their independence and dignity.