Anti-Human Trafficking Services Hub now a reality in Peel

BY ADRIAN ADORE

The hard work of the Peel Human Trafficking Service Providers Committee (P.H.T.S.P.C.) has paid off.

With the funding provided by both the regional and provincial governments, victims and survivors of human sex trafficking and sexual exploitation now have a safe place to receive wraparound services and supports.

The P.H.T.S.P.C. was formed in 2015 and comprises over forty agencies. Since 2015, the Committee has been committed to offering trauma-informed, survivor-centred services to empower and support victims/survivors in rebuilding their lives.

With Catholic Family Services as the lead, the Committee’s hard work made the Anti-Human Trafficking Services Hub a reality on February 22^nd; Human Trafficking Awareness Day. The Region of Peel and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services are responsible for providing the funding for the new Integrated Services Hub.

The Anti-Human Sex Trafficking (AHST) Integrated Services Hub provides low-barrier, dedicated services for individuals at-risk, engaged in, and transitioning out of sex trafficking/sexual exploitation.

AHST Hub offers:

• Comprehensive risk assessment, safety planning, advocacy and coordination of services to support the wellbeing of victims, survivors and individuals at-risk of human sex trafficking
• Immediate and specialized supports such as trauma counselling, mental wellness and substance use, health care and case management
• Long-term supports that offer stabilization (including housing, vocational and/or educational planning, employment and family reunification)
• Access to services and supports which are specifically designed for victim, survivors and individual at-risk of sexual exploitation
• A continuum of support to allow individuals to set achievable and realistic goals through a supportive mentoring relationship

By building upon and sustaining collaborative partnerships among community stakeholders and implementing a coordinated response, the Integrated Services Hub aligns with the Region of Peel’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan.

For more information, safety tips and resources about human trafficking please visit the Peel Regional Police Human Trafficking webpage and read their articles containing videos; Human Trafficking – the Signs and Human Trafficking – Too Close to Home.