Beyond Criminal Justice: A Case Study of Responding to Human Trafficking in Canada

Author: Kaye, Julie; Winterdyk, John & Quarterman, Lara

Abstract: Despite increasing awareness of human trafficking in Canada, there is limited knowledge about how local communities are responding to the experiences of trafficked persons. By focusing on the case of counter-trafficking responses in Calgary, Alberta, this project represents the first Canadian attempt to document how a major urban centre is addressing human trafficking. The exploratory project surveyed 53 respondents representing agencies involved in the counter trafficking response, which in various capacities serve individuals victimized by trafficking. Building on the survey findings, five focus group discussions were conducted during the autumn of 2011. The article suggests that, while a criminal justice framework is important for addressing human trafficking, local strategies will benefit from an emphasis on cross-sector collaboration that emphasizes the rights of the trafficked persons above the needs of law enforcement.

Keywords: human trafficking, anti-trafficking, exploitation, criminal justice system, victim assistance