Hamilton to launch online human trafficking reporting as hotline calls grow

Hamilton Police Service says it is launching an online reporting option for cases of human trafficking.

Officers say online reporting is meant to help more victims feel safe getting help as in-person or phone-in options are not always possible.

This announcement follows the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking sharing data which shows that 2025 saw a record-breaking number of calls to the hotline.

There were more than 5,900 calls across the country, which is a 14 per cent increase from 2024.

The hotline says it has seen a year-over-year increase in calls since its 2019 launch.

READ MORE: Niagara police warn public of 700% increase in human trafficking

It says most of the calls involve sex trafficking, but labour trafficking is also on the rise.

The numbers show trafficking affects all communities, from big cities to small towns.

The hotline’s Executive Director Julia Drydyk warns it often starts with grooming and manipulation, not force, making human trafficking harder to spot.

The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline (1-833-900-1010) is a confidential, multilingual service available 24/7/365 that connects victims, survivors, and concerned community members with local supports. 

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