Barrie police will be receiving $183,000 in provincial funding to support its When You’re Ready program to combat human trafficking.
“Sadly, we know from our experience locally and dealing with this issue right across the province that this is something that is impacting communities from one end of Ontario to the other,” said Barrie police communications co-ordinator Peter Leon. “We want to encourage any victims to reach out to us; we want to hear from you.”
It is part of a $5.9-million provincial program over two years to enhance services and supports available to victims of intimate partner violence and human trafficking through the new victim support grant program. The grant is meant to help police and communities improve services to help meet victims’ needs.
“It’s a three-stage approach that… will deal with human trafficking and victims of human trafficking in our community,” added Leon.
The program, through the local police department’s human-trafficking unit, includes specialized training for all members of the police service led by a human-trafficking survivor. It's intended to focus on the trauma related to the lifestyle as the victim shares their experience. An outreach team will also be created to help victims connect with community resources.
Police forces are required to work in collaboration with another relevant community group that supports victims of human trafficking and partner abuse.
“We’re very fortunate that Barrie, being a larger community, does have resources that are available and we are able to connect with victims so that they can receive the care and assistance required to allow them to live a lifestyle that is free from the controls and individuals, free of human trafficking,” Leon said.
The third aspect is an upgrade to the police interview room and the creation of a new one at the Barrie Native Friendship Centre.
The “soft room” is meant to provide a home-like setting complete with furniture to create a more relaxed setting to allow people to share their experiences.
Leon said the intent of the program is to connect and support victims to get the help they need with no obligation to participate in a criminal investigation.
“If that ends up coming down the road, that’s something that is possible, but at the end of the day it’s about making you comfortable so that you can get the help that you need so that you can move on and have better control of your life and free yourself from the individuals who have been controlling you,” he said.
Leon also said Barrie police’s human-trafficking unit is making a difference in the community, although no statistics were immediately available.
