I'm not for sale. Human Trafficking Victims Tell Their Stories

RCMP: Human Trafficking Awareness Material

The Honeymoon's Over
What began as a ‘beautiful’ relationship—where the victim felt safe and loved in a way that they had never felt before—suddenly crumbles, the deception is over, and the nightmare begins. The honeymoon phase of a trafficked victim can be over in a matter of days. Yes, it’s that quick to be lured into ‘The Game’ and the game is all about control. Who has it and who doesn’t—it’s the loss of control for the victim and the traffickers gain of control over them. 

When a victim is under the trafficker’s control, the trafficker dictates ALL aspects of their life—when they sleep, how long they sleep, when they eat, what they eat, when they shower, what they wear, how they do their hair to the colour of their nail polish. And, they certainly did not have any control over who they have sex with, what services they provide, nor do they get to keep any of the money they have earned. While the pimps drive around in Lamborghinis and Maseratis the victims are fed one meal a day.

The Game is beyond cruel and its victims are often played off each other. All the victim wants is love and security, so pimps give favour to the person who makes the most money for them. Driven by the need for affection, the victims work hard to out service each other for additional time with their pimp or as the victims see him—their boy friend. Because they believe they are in a relationship with someone who cares about them many of the individuals who are trafficked  don’t know they’re victims.

The Players
In the beginning of the Beaten, Branded, Bought and Sold clip, the male speaking about 'The Game's is one of its players, convicted pimp Matthew Deiaco. The victims share their stories about what it's like to be in The Game.

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In depth victim's story.

Dispelling the myth.
One of the common myths believed by those not playing The Game is that because an individual is not forcibly confined, they can leave. We should know by now that things are NEVER that simple. When an individual is entrenched in the trafficking world the victim feels they have no choice. They’re afraid for their family and loved ones, of being beaten, burnt. They’re ashamed. They have nowhere to go.

According to the RCMP,
Why don’t they just leave? Victims may:

• Not know they are being victimized because they have a relationship with their trafficker - it could be their boyfriend or friend;
• Be unaware of their rights, or may have been intentionally misinformed about their rights so they don't know they can receive help;
• Be taught to distrust and fear the government and law enforcement officers because they are afraid they will get arrested or deported (if from another country); and/or
• Fear for their safety or the safety of someone known to them, as some traffickers will threaten to harm the victim, their friends or family members if they report their situation to, or cooperate with law enforcement

 
What can you do?

• Know your community and report any suspicious activity
• If you think someone you know is a victim of human trafficking contact your local police or anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
• Youth should talk to their parents and/or guidance counsellor 
• If you are a victim of human trafficking or you think you may become a victim, call your local police or call the Canadian Crime Stoppers national tip line at  1-800-222-TIPS (8477)