Windsor Police launch new online reporting portal and awareness campaign to fight human trafficking
WINDSOR POLICE NEWS RELEASE
Windsor Police launch new online reporting portal and awareness campaign to fight human trafficking
The Windsor Police Service is stepping up the fight against human trafficking with a new online reporting portal and a high-visibility public awareness campaign. Advertisements on public buses and at bus shelters across the city will encourage residents to recognize the signs of trafficking, report suspicious activity, and help connect victims with support.
Human trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation, harbouring, or control of a person for the purpose of exploitation. This can include sexual exploitation, forced labour, or other forms of abuse. Victims are often isolated, controlled, or afraid to seek help, which makes accessible reporting options and public awareness especially important.
The new online reporting portal allows individuals to safely report suspected trafficking involving themselves or someone they know. The portal also provides information on how to recognize warning signs of trafficking and where to access support services.
“The creation of this online reporting tool is an important step in our efforts to combat human trafficking in Windsor,”said Windsor Police Chief Jason Crowley. “By making it easier and safer to report concerns, we hope to empower individuals to take action, support victims, and prevent further harm.”
Awareness posters featuring QR codes linking directly to the reporting portal will be displayed over 80 Transit Windsor buses and at several bus stops across the city, with over 300 additional posters distributed to community partners. The posters were developed in consultation with Victim Services of Windsor & Essex County, the Windsor-Essex Counter Exploitation Network (WECEN), and Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers.
“People experiencing trafficking are looking for safe, accessible services to reach out to for help. Ensuring a wide reach of information means less people fall through the gaps and access the supports they need,” explains Shelley Gilbert, the Executive Director of Legal Assistance of Windsor, the organization that leads WECAN.
The campaign is intended to reduce barriers to reporting and provide immediate access to information and support.
“Human trafficking can be difficult to detect, and victims often feel isolated and helpless,” said Windsor Police Inspector of Investigative Support David DeLuca. “This campaign raises awareness across Windsor while providing direct access to online reporting tools and support for anyone who needs it.”
For more information or to report suspected human trafficking, visit the Windsor Police Human Trafficking Online Reporting portal below.
https://windsorpolice.ca/services/reporting/online/human-trafficking