(EXCERPT FROM NEW BOOK BY JAMES FRIZZELL: SOON TO BE RELEASED!)

Canadian Statistics:

• 2468 police-reported HT incidents between 2009 – 2019, with a rising trend since.
• 33% of police-reported incidents involve the crossing of the Canadian border.
• 85% of police-reported incidents occur in major cities.
• 95% of trafficked persons are women or girls.
• 89% of trafficked persons are under the age of 35.
• 89% of victims know their trafficker.
• 65% of those accused of trafficking are men aged 18 – 34.

(Reference: Human Trafficking in The Emergency Department, Lindsay Cheskes, Alex Coutin [Nov 11, 2021] Canadian https://emottawablog.com/2021/11/human-trafficking-in-the-emergency-department/statistics)

In Canada, women and children from Indigenous communities, low-wage migrants and new immigrants, 2SLGBTQQIA+ persons, persons with disabilities, people with substance abuse issues, victims of physical and sexual violence, and children and youth in the child welfare system (foster care system also) are especially at risk. HT is a crime that is highly gendered (12). Migrants may also illegally be in Canada, and fear deportation if they report their trafficking situation to the police. Often, the HT victims are psychologically manipulated, and don’t even know that they have been a victim of human trafficking, as often they think that this is the norm.

Health care providers like dentists and hygienists, are some of the few healthcare professionals who may come in contact with a human trafficking victim. Dental patients who are being trafficked may show red flags such as injuries from violence, head and neck trauma, sexually transmitted diseases manifested orally, poor dental health (abscessed or broken teeth), and signs of malnutrition. Also, they may not be in possession of their ID or government-issued documents; real names or personal details may appear to have been changed; the patient may tell you that he/she is visiting the area, but cannot offer details about arrival and departure dates, an address, or a phone number (28).

Dental teams can also assist police in estimating the age of HT victims who have no documentation or birth certificate. The dentists and hygienist can help identify and protect victims of human trafficking, offering them resources for assistance (16,17).

Health care providers like dentists and hygienists, are some of the few healthcare professionals who may come in contact with a human trafficking victim. Dental patients who are being trafficked may show red flags such as injuries from violence, head and neck trauma, sexually transmitted diseases manifested orally, poor dental health (abscessed or broken teeth), and signs of malnutrition. Also, they may not be in possession of their ID or government-issued documents; real names or personal details may appear to have been changed; the patient may tell you that he/she is visiting the area, but cannot offer details about arrival and departure dates, an address, or a phone number (28).

Dental teams can also assist police in estimating the age of HT victims who have no documentation or birth certificate. The dentists and hygienist can help identify and protect victims of human trafficking, offering them resources for assistance (16,17).

The Polaris Project gave a list of follow-up questions and red flags for healthcare professionals to ask patients that they suspect are being trafficked; The following is a list adapted from Polaris Project:

1. Do you feel you live in a safe place? Are you free to come and go at will?
2. Are you pressured into doing uncomfortable things?
3. Do you have access to the money you earn? Are you in debt to someone? If yes, how are you paying off that debt?
4. Has your ability to communicate with others been restricted or not allowed at all?
5. Do you have a phone or computer or not allowed to use at all?
6. Does someone control your access to food, healthcare, or medications?
7. Has someone taken your I.D., passport, or any personal documents? (19).

Halton Regional Police Service (Ontario, Canada) created a list entitled: Signs/Indicators of Human Trafficking:

1. Not being allowed to speak for themselves.
2. Not having control of their own money or cell phone.
3. Suddenly having a new or second cell phone with a secret number.
4. Not being allowed to contact family or friends, withdrawing from family or friends.
5. Providing rehearsed answers to casual questions.
6. Being secretive about their activities.
7. Showing signs of abuse, such as bruising, cigarette burns, fractures, etc.
8. Having a new boyfriend or girlfriend who they won’t introduce to friends/family.
9. Having new items (clothing, jewelry etc.) outside of their financial needs. (20). These individuals are often lured in with promises of parties, gifts, affection, or drugs but become quickly trapped by verbal coercion, psychological abuse and threats, and physical violence. The average age when someone is trafficked is between 13-17 years old, and they can remain trapped for many years.

SUMMARY:
We, the dental profession, are just a small stone on the victims’ and survivors’ pathway, but we are vitally and tremendously important in the path of helping. Some showing compassion, making a difference.

Human trafficking is a public health issue!