CONTROL INDICATORS – CHILD/YOUTH

• ☐ Accompanied by an adult who insists on speaking for them

• ☐ Appears coached, guarded, or fearful when speaking

• ☐ Avoids eye contact; appears anxious or submissive

• ☐ Reluctant or unable to describe where they live or who they’re with

• ☐ Lacks identification or has documents held by someone else

• ☐ Says they owe someone money or must “pay off a debt”

• ☐ Receives frequent controlling or threatening messages or calls

• ☐ Uses sex trade-related language (e.g., “track,” “quota,” “daddy”)

• ☐ Someone else controls their money or personal belongings

• ☐ Expresses fear of breaking someone’s rules or not meeting expectations

 

ISOLATION INDICATORS – CHILD/YOUTH

• ☐ Chronically absent or has dropped out of school

• ☐ Avoids talking about family; disconnected from caregivers

• ☐ Sudden, unexplained change in friends or social group

• ☐ Living in hotels, with unrelated adults, or unstably housed

• ☐ Frequent runaway episodes or history of being reported missing

• ☐ Doesn’t know what city they’re in or how they got there

• ☐ Not allowed to have or use a phone independently

• ☐ Displays fear or distrust of police, social workers, or teachers

 

SEX TRADE-SPECIFIC INDICATORS – CHILD/YOUTH

• ☐ Engaged in sex in exchange for money, housing, food, drugs, or protection

• ☐ Talks about having to meet a nightly or weekly quota

• ☐ Seen with a much older, controlling partner

• ☐ Has expensive items without explanation (e.g., phone, clothing, nails)

• ☐ Multiple STIs, pregnancies, abortions, or sexual health concerns

• ☐ Appears exhausted, hungry, physically unwell, or abused

• ☐ Found in motels, apartments, or locations known for sexual exploitation

• ☐ Tattoos or branding indicating ownership (names, barcodes, crowns, $ symbols)

• ☐ Claims to be “doing it by choice” but lacks real alternatives or autonomy

 

HIGH-RISK BEHAVIORS & CONTEXTS

• ☐ Frequently in areas known for sex trade activity (hotels, known “tracks”)

• ☐ Accessing or being present in adult venues (clubs, strip clubs, massage parlours)

• ☐ Engages with adults online via social media, chat, or gaming apps commonly used 
  (e.g., Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, Kik, WhatsApp, Discord, Omegle, Telegram, Roblox, Fortnite)

• ☐ Has multiple, hidden, or sexualized social media profiles

• ☐ Recruited or introduced by a friend already involved in exploitation

 

RED FLAGS FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN (UNDER 12)

• ☐ Developmentally inappropriate sexual behaviour or language

• ☐ Sudden access to adult-style items (smartphone, makeup, cash, trendy clothes)

• ☐ Mentions older “friends,” “cousins,” or people they’ve “just met”

• ☐ Extreme fear or anger when asked about home or caregivers

• ☐ Physical signs of sexual abuse or trauma

 

FRONTLINE HEALTH & SERVICE SETTINGS

• ☐ Accompanied by someone who won’t let them speak privately

• ☐ Rehearsed, vague, or inconsistent answers to basic questions

• ☐ Multiple STIs, pregnancies, or untreated injuries

• ☐ Doesn’t know medical history or family contact details

• ☐ Flat, disconnected, fearful, or overly submissive behaviour

 

 

MANDATORY REPORTING

In all Canadian provinces and territories, anyone who suspects a child (under 18) is being sexually exploited or trafficked is legally required to report it. This includes all professionals and members of the public.

 

Report to:

• Your local Child Protection Services (CPS) or Children’s Aid Society

• Police if the child is in immediate danger (Call 911)

• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline (24/7, confidential): 1-833-900-1010
  www.canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca
  Available in 200+ languages; connects to crisis support, shelters, and child welfare

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