Peel Police Foundation donation aims to ‘strengthen’ support for trafficking victims

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With human trafficking a growing concern in Peel Region, law enforcement is providing a pathway for those looking for a way out. 

“Human trafficking has a devastating impact on victims, survivors and families and addressing it requires sustained support and collaboration,” Catherine Murray, the board chair for the Peel Police Foundation, said on Thursday afternoon in Brampton. “We are helping strengthen essential services and resources for those affected.”

The police foundation donated $150,000 to strengthen supports for victims and survivors of human trafficking across the region. 

“I’ve seen this from coast to coast in the work that we do with law enforcement, that human trafficking requires that everyone works together,” Canadian musician and victims advocate Paul Brandt said. “We all have different capacities to affect change when it comes to the issue of human trafficking. But once we know about it, we all have the same responsibility.” 

Assist from country star

Brandt is the founder of the “#NotInMyCity” campaign, a charitable organization that prevents and disrupts sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. He was in town to lend his support to police in their fight against human trafficking. 

Between 2021 and 2025, the Peel Regional Police vice unit conducted 929 investigations, laid 767 human trafficking-related charges, charged 201 people and identified 178 victims. Sexual exploitation victims can sometimes be as young as 11 or 12 years old. Mostly, the age range is between 12 and 24 years old. Since 2023, police reporting of human-trafficking incidents has increased by 60%. 

“We have always had a strong capacity from an investigative standpoint, but I want to highlight that we don’t operate in silence,” Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said. “We are investigating these incidents, which knows no boundaries and no borders. The public needs to know that we will hold those accountable for doing harm toward victims and vulnerable people.” 

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Donation to be spread out over 2 years

The donation amount will be spread out over two years to support the work of the Peel Human Trafficking Service Providers Committee with Victim Services of Peel being the recipient. 

“We continue to see the increased need for support among people who have experienced human trafficking,” said Sarah Rogers, executive director of Victim Services. “While exiting exploitation is a critical step, it is only the beginning of a much longer journey. Survivors need access to essential safety planning, crisis intervention, system navigation, housing, stability resources, counselling and ongoing support to rebuild their lives.

“The demand continues to outpace available services and for every person we are able to support, many others still need assistance.” 

The Peel Regional Police’s human-trafficking unit can be reached at 905-453-2121, Ext. 3555. The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline is available at 1-833-900-1010. 

ganderson@postmedia.com

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