Peel Regional Police Launches Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy and Announces Investment to Strengthen Survivor Supports
Region of Peel – As part of its third annual Community Partner Engagement Day, Peel Regional Police launched its Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy, while the Peel Police Foundation announced a $150,000 investment to strengthen supports for victims and survivors across Peel Region.
The event brought together community partners, survivors, public safety agencies, and advocates, including Canadian country music artist and anti-human trafficking advocate Paul Brandt, whose Not In My City initiative has helped raise awareness and mobilize action against human trafficking across Canada.
Preventing Exploitation, Supporting Survivors and Disrupting Traffickers
Developed in partnership with community organizations and survivor-informed stakeholders, the Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy establishes a coordinated, intelligence-led and survivor-centred approach to combat human trafficking in Peel Region.
Built on four pillars – prevention, intervention, enforcement and survivor support – the strategy brings together police, government and community partners to prevent exploitation, support victims and survivors, disrupt trafficking networks and strengthen community responses.
Led by Peel Regional Police, the strategy combines trauma-informed victim support, intelligence-led investigations, coordinated enforcement and advanced analytics to identify victims, detect emerging risks and hold traffickers accountable.
Investing in Supports for Victims and Survivors
Addressing gaps in services for victims and survivors of human trafficking is a key component of the strategy. The $150,000 investment, provided by the Peel Police Foundation awarded to The Peel Human Trafficking Service Providers Committee and administered through Victim Services of Peel, will help support individuals at risk of exploitation and victimization, including those aged 25 and older.
Nationally, women and girls account for approximately 93 per cent of identified human trafficking victims, with most under the age of 25. This investment will help address service gaps and ensure supports are available for adult survivors who may require ongoing assistance beyond existing youth-focused services.
Supporting Survivors Beyond Crisis
Survivors of human trafficking and sexual violence may experience lasting physical, emotional and psychological impacts. Peel Regional Police remains committed to ensuring those affected by human trafficking have access to appropriate supports and encourages anyone in need to seek help when they are ready.
nCourage is an Anti-Human Trafficking Integrated Service Hub in Peel. It provides trauma informed, client-centered service, to victims/survivors and individuals at risk of human trafficking. nCourage can be reached by calling 905-866-2831.
Victim Services of Peel offers confidential support and can connect individuals with resources, including Project This Way Out at 905-568-1068 and other community organizations that help people stay safe, heal and move forward.
QUICK FACTS
- Nationally, women and girls account for approximately 93 per cent of identified human trafficking victims, with the majority under the age of 25.
- Between 2021 and 2025, Peel Regional Police’s Vice Unit conducted 929 investigations, laid 767 human trafficking-related charges, charged 201 accused persons and identified 178 victims.
- $150,000 contribution provided by the Peel Police Foundation and administered through Victim Services of Peel
QUOTES
"Human trafficking demands more than a policing response. It requires coordinated action, strong partnerships and an unwavering commitment to survivors. By launching this strategy, Peel Regional Police is bringing together the people, expertise and resources needed to prevent exploitation, support recovery and drive meaningful change in our community. Thank you to our partners, Peel Police Foundation and Canadian country icon Paul Brandt for their work in this space."
- Chief Nishan Duraiappah, Peel Regional Police
“The Peel Regional Police Foundation is committed to investing in initiatives that create safer, stronger communities. Human trafficking has a devastating impact on victims, survivors, and families, and addressing it requires sustained support and collaboration. Through this $150,000 investment, we are helping strengthen essential services and resources for those affected, while reaffirming our commitment to supporting individuals on their path to safety and recovery.”
- Catherine Murray, Board Chair, Peel Police Foundation
"We continue to see the increased need for support among people who have experienced human trafficking. While exiting exploitation is a critical step, it is only the beginning of a much longer journey. Survivors need access to essential safety planning, crisis intervention, system navigation, housing, stability resources, counselling, and ongoing support to rebuild their lives. The demand continues to outpace available services, and for every person we are able to support, many others still need assistance. Strengthening these services is vital to ensuring survivors are not alone and can access the resources, opportunities, and supports needed to move forward. "
- Sarah Rogers, Victim Services of Peel
"No single agency can end human trafficking alone. Peel's strategy shows what's possible when police, community and survivors work as one, and #NotInMyCity is honoured to be part of that effort."
- Paul Brandt, Founder, Not In My City
