A Way Home.

Hours after a stranger shot her in a motel, the hospital discharged Alicia in a wheelchair. Police seized her phone and her personal belongings–they were now part of the crime scene.

After months of forced sexual exploitation across hundreds of kilometres, Alicia left the hospital alone without any idea what city she was even in.

When a Human Trafficking Officer wheeled Alicia into Victim Services Toronto’s offices at 3 am, she was alone, terrified, in pain and utterly exhausted.

Alicia was terrified her trafficker would find and kill her. She longed to get home to her mother in Montreal.

Victim Services Toronto’s Human Trafficking Case Workers listened to Alicia to find ways to help lift her enormous burden.

Alicia’s greatest immediate need was rest and peace. VST secured a hotel room for Alicia and provided her with transportation. The following day, police accompanied Alicia as she boarded a flight to Montreal, with her mother awaiting her arrival.

In the immediate aftermath of human trafficking, police investigate the crime scene, compile evidence and interview suspects. VST’s trauma-informed Crisis Intervention Teams operate alongside police to ensure the survivors are listened to and receive the emotional and practical support they need when they’re at their most vulnerable.

We know that exiting human trafficking and sexual exploitation is only the first step in a long and painful journey. We also know it’s a step that no person should have to navigate alone.