Human trafficking is prevalent across Canada, with Ontario alone, accounting for over 70 per cent of reported cases.
In an effort to bring hope and a new start for survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation, a Cambridge organization provides shelter, programming, skills and opportunities to help them rewrite their stories.
With a multi-stage, long-term residence structure for survivors, SEEDS (Supporting Every Eve’s Daughter Safely) imagines a better tomorrow for exploited women and children, one of hope, peace, and recovery.
Executive director, Vicki Olatundun, says SEEDS is designed to help women survivors, to recover and learn essential life skills towards becoming whole, productive citizens.
"Our goal is to get survivors back into the community so they are contributing members," Olatundun said.
"Some healing takes longer. But we take baby steps. And eventually, survivors realize that they are amazing, that they are awesome! And that they really do have something to give."
To address the rising crisis of sex-trafficking and exploitation in Canada, SEEDS was established in 2018 by Laura Ross.
"Ten years ago, when Laura had a dream to put this house together, there were about 10 or so shelters for survivors of sex-trafficking and exploitation in the country. And 10 years later, there are still only about 10 of these organizations," Olatundun said.
"You can put an organizations together, but to put a home together, that's a whole other ball game."
SEEDS is not a crisis shelter or a temporary fix.
The organization provides a holistic home and program where women receive wrap around services and resources including a personalized education plan, medical aid, trauma therapy, job placement, case management, and restorative services.
The final stage is when survivors receive individualized planning and assistance with living independently, career goals, and continued support.
"First of all, a survivor can expect safety with us. If you are living in the streets or are vulnerable in a sexual way, your safety is paramount. For the first little while, it's difficult to feel safe. But safety is the first thing they can expect," Olatundun said.
"The second thing is an environment with people who love them for who they are and in a non-judgemental space. We understand the trauma that they have been through and we want to help them understand that they are safe and that we will keep them safe."
Once survivors begin the road to recovery, SEEDS is with them, every step of the way.
According to SEEDS, 90 per cent of victims are women and young girls, 95 per cent of people trafficked in Canada are Canadian, and 89 per cent of victims are under the age of 35.
Olatundun says that typically, people recognize gender based violence or domestic violence. But very few people accept that there is sex trafficking in their communities.
"This is the problem. With gender based violence, people see a bruise. They see someone in pain. But with sexual trafficking, people are lulled into thinking that it does not happen. Stats say that children can be involved in this for two years before their parents even find out. And they will be at home every day," Olatundun said.
"Your daughter can be taken while you are downstairs having a coffee in the kitchen. And she's in her bedroom, and you think she's safe. Technology brings something completely different."
In the tri-cities of Waterloo, Cambridge and Kitchener, which includes a population of over 600,000, there are only two beds dedicated to survivors of sex trafficking.
Olatundun says the 401 Highway corridor is full of 'hot spots' for sex trafficking in Ontario,
"That is a connector, with all of the hotels and motels all along the 401. And women and children, and girls and boys are being sold every night," Olatundun said.
"Over 250 girls every night are being sold along that space. A 13-year-old will earn their trafficker over $280,000 in the first year. It is very scary."
The goal for SEEDS is to generate public awareness as well as help at-risk young women avoid becoming prey to human trafficking.
This year, SEEDS will hold it's annual fundraiser, Ride for Refuge, on Oct. 5.
"Where we take a section of the 401, from London to Kitchener. People can come out or donate online too," Olatundun said.
"We would love our community to come out and help us. We will take anyone who can assist with volunteering, and with donating funds, because it does cost a lot to run 24/7."
For more information about Ride for Refuge, visit here.
Olatundun says the community can ride or walk.
"We want to continue to grow in this space and to let people know that we are here. And for those that need help, we want them to know they can come to us and we will look after them," Olatundun said.
The rewards for survivors are unbelievable, according to Olatundun.
"To see the spark in a young woman come alive again, there's nothing like it. So, we continue to let that flower grow, a flower that's been trodden on. It needs to be replanted again, to grow and be beautiful again," she said.
"Survivors come here, they become a family, and they grow."
