Survivors of Sex Trafficking in Ontario:
COVID-19 and its Impact on Accessing
Support Services
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The COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented global event that led to restrictions across all parts of society in an effort to curtail the virus and reduce the impact on health care systems. The restrictions, which continued to evolve over the course of over two years, impacted movement and gatherings, as well as limited or totally stopped businesses and organizations from operating in-person. The pandemic and resulting restrictions, led to a striking increase in mental health related crises, and the limited access to services exacerbated its impact on all aspects of people's lives.
Vulnerable communities, including victims and survivors of sex trafficking, were put at an increased risk due to limitations in services to protect and support them during this time. This report seeks to share the experiences that survivors of sex trafficking had in accessing support during the pandemic, and the impact it had on their recovery. Through interviews with adult, female-identified survivors in Ontario, the report includes recommendations for how to move on from the pandemic in a supportive way, addressing the ongoing impacts the pandemic has had. It also includes recommendations in the event of another pandemic or other scenario resulting in similar closures, so that services can be better prepared and avoid potential pause or regression of many survivors in their recovery, or triggering them through a lack of, or inadequate, supports. |
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We might not have been able to include as many voices in the study if Fight4Freedom had not been able to cover for the expenses of compiling the report and assisting the research participants in lieu of the financial support provided by
the Mariann Trust.
the Mariann Trust.
Feel free to read our research!
| COVID-19 in Ontario: The Impacts on Survivors of Sex Trafficking in Accessing Support Services |
| Summary Report: The impacts on Survivors of Sex Trafficking in Accessing Support Services |