Peel Police Foundation donates $150K to combat human trafficking in Peel Region

The Peel Police Foundation donated $150,000 to strengthen support services for human trafficking victims. Between 2021 and 2025, police laid 767 related charges and identified 178 victims.

$150,000 donation to boost human trafficking victim support in Peel Region

The Peel Police Foundation has donated $150,000 to expand support services for victims and survivors of human trafficking across Peel Region, Toronto Sun Crime reports. The funds will be distributed over two years to the Peel Human Trafficking Service Providers Committee, with Victim Services of Peel designated as the recipient.

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

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. Victims of sexual exploitation can be as young as 11 or 12 years old, with the majority falling between the ages of 12 and 24. Since 2023, police reporting of human trafficking incidents has risen by 60%.

Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah emphasized that the fight against trafficking demands coordination beyond law enforcement alone. "We have always had a strong capacity from an investigative standpoint, but I want to highlight that we don't operate in silence," 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."

Canadian musician and victims advocate Paul Brandt attended Thursday's announcement to lend his support. Brandt is the founder of the #NotInMyCity campaign, a charitable organization focused on preventing and disrupting sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. "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," he 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."

Sarah Rogers, executive director of Victim Services of Peel, noted that demand for services continues to outstrip what is currently available. "While exiting exploitation is a critical step, it is only the beginning of a much longer journey," Rogers said. "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.

Source: Toronto Sun Crime