Human Trafficking Unit rescues sex trade workers from local hotels
(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service Human Trafficking Unit, along with members from the Offender Management Unit, conducted a four-day initiative from November 22 to 25, 2017, contacting and rescuing sex trade workers within hotels around Ottawa.
Officers attended 11 local hotels and made contact with 20 women who identified as sex trade workers. Two were immediately rescued from abusive situations.
Officers also identified some of the people responsible for victimizing these women.
“This initiative was run during the week of Grey Cup festivities in Ottawa as statistics show prostitution demand increases during large-scale events,” said Inspector Jim Elves of Investigative Support. “A majority of sex trade workers are trafficked against their will. We work really hard to protect our most vulnerable population.”
This police operation coincides with the White Ribbon Campaign which runs from November 25 to December 6—encouraging men, young and old, to wear a white ribbon to show their support for the elimination of Violence Against Women.
The police investigation into these matters continues.
Anyone with information about human trafficking activity is asked to call the Ottawa Police Human Trafficking Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5005.