Ottawa Police are launching a new hotline for victims of human trafficking.
Police say victims of human trafficking, anywhere in Canada, can call 1-800-292-1168 to connect directly to the Ottawa Police Human Trafficking Unit.
"I'm not sure most residents of Ottawa are aware at how prevalent human trafficking is here. On any given day, there is at least one sex trade worker in every single hotel across the city," said HTU Sergeant Damien Laflamme in a press release. "We are working closely with hotels and entertainment groups in the city to train frontline personnel on how to recognize signs of human trafficking and what they can do if they see it. But we also wanted to provide a way for victims or people with information to contact us, no matter where they are in Canada. We are here to help you."
Police say victims of sex trade trafficking are often moved around from city to city along the Toronto-Ottawa-Montreal corridor. Some people are taken to the United States.
Police say they hope the number will give victims a way to come forward and seek help.