Researchers use AI to help identify victims of human trafficking
July 18, 2022
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Alexandra Stevenson never imagined her loving relationship with her boyfriend would turn abusive or that she would someday become a victim of human trafficking.
Stevenson says she was sexually abused by her best friend’s uncle when she was 13 years old. When she tried to break up with her boyfriend, he threatened her with violence.
She says her boyfriend used her drug habit to control her and made a deal with a strip club owner to make her pay with her body.
Human trafficking is a “huge concern” in B.C., with many high-school students and youth living on the streets becoming victims.
Researchers hope artificial intelligence can help fight human trafficking by identifying those most at risk and educating young people about the issue.
Experts say most of the luring happens online, and that human trafficking is “Canada’s best-hidden crime” because it involves coercion.
Researchers used algorithms to identify people who they believe were potentially victims of human trafficking. They found that 40 per cent of sex work advertisements in B.C. were “indicative of human trafficking”.
Stevenson says the problem of predatory dating is growing in B.C. due to isolation during the pandemic.
The study presents tools that may be helpful in prosecuting human trafficking cases, but questions whether or not it will help victims.
Stevenson says a car accident gave her the break she needed to escape her boyfriend. She now advocates for victims and survivors of human trafficking through her platform, The Laughing Survivor.
If you are a victim of human trafficking in Canada, please contact us.We can help.
Global News reported that an Ontario teen is suing Eagle Crest Resorts and four former campers over an alleged sexual assault six years ago. If you are a victim of sexual assault in Ontario, please contact us. We can help.
CBC News reported that now researchers can identify the victims of human trafficking with the help of AI.
CBC News reported that York Regional Police have charged a 64-year-old man and a 61-year-old woman following an investigation concerning the sexual assault of two kids about 30 years ago.
According to CBC News Michael Haaima, 37, an Ontario tech figure, has been charged with 76 charges, including human trafficking, sexual assault and making child pornography. If you have a complaint against Michael Mark Haaima or are a victim of sexual assault in Ontario, please contact us. We can help.
According to Peterboroughexaminer News, Ray Henderson is accused of sexual assault and exploitation of a former student. The woman claims she was groomed for years and didn't notice that her relationship with Henderson was inappropriate.If you have a complaint against Ray Henderson or have survived sexual abuse by a teacher, contact us. We can help.
Northern News reported that Daniel Hayes- a teacher at Mississauga high school, has been charged with sexual exploitation. He was arrested on June 20 by Peel Regional Police. If you have a complaint against Daniel Hayes or have survived sexual abuse by a teacher, contact us. We can help.
Sexual Misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces Source: CBC NEWS Epiq Class Action Services Canada, the firm overseeing the federal government’s $900-million settlement deal with military members who experienced sexual misconduct in uniform, admitted to more privacy breaches after a …
Adrian Schmid, Ottawa Air Cadets captain, is facing nine sexual assault charges against children. If you have a complaint against Adrian Schmid or are a victim of sexual assault in Ontario, please contact us. We can help.
CTV News reported that Hughbee Brown, a referee at high school volleyball games in Guelph, was charged with 14 counts of sex-assault related charges. If you have a complaint against Hughbee Brown or are a victim of sexual assault in Ontario, please contact us. We can help.
According to CBC News, Peter Des Brisay, a retired Ottawa teacher was found guilty of professional misconduct. A disciplinary committee found Peter Des Brisey guilty of professional misconduct after sexual abuse of a former student in the late 1990s. If you have a complaint against Peter Des Brisay or are a victim of sexual assault in Ontario, please contact us. We can help.