Definitions   

Child: A child is anyone under the age of 18 in Canada. Specifically pertaining to human trafficking-related charges.

Child Trafficking: Child trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, or exploitation of a child (under the age of 18) for purposes such as labour, sexual exploitation, forced marriage, or other illegal activities. It happens without the child’s consent and is always considered trafficking, as children cannot legally give consent.

Exploitation: Exploitation is the act of taking advantage of someone for personal gain. This can include forcing someone to work, perform sexual acts, commit crimes, or endure abuse, often through manipulation, coercion, or deception. Exploitation violates a person’s rights and freedoms.

Forced Criminality: Forced criminality occurs when someone is forced, tricked, or pressured into committing crimes against their will. This can include activities like theft, drug trafficking, or fraud. The person is often controlled through threats, violence, or exploitation of vulnerability.

Forced Marriage: Forced marriage is when a person is made to marry against their will, often through pressure, threats, manipulation and/or coercion. It happens without the full and free consent of one or both individuals and is a violation of their rights and freedom and often involves a transfer of money or property in the form of dowry.

Labour Trafficking: Labour trafficking happens when someone is forced, tricked, or pressured to work without fair pay or proper conditions. This can happen in jobs like farming, construction, or domestic work.

Sex/Labour Trafficking: Sex trafficking is when someone is forced, tricked, or pressured into sexual activities in exchange for money or other benefits. If the person is under 18, it is considered sex trafficking even if no force is involved.

Youth: For the purposes of this toolkit, the term youth has a fluid definition. In some agencies and communities, youth can include people up to 29 years old. For others, a youth is someone who is 16-25. We would suggest that if you are looking for specific services/supports targeted to youth in your community, you inquire with the agency regarding what youth means to them in terms of access to services.

2SLGBTQIA+: This acronym is an umbrella term representing diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions highlighting inclusivity and respect for a wide range of identities.

• 2S (Two-Spirit): A term used by some Indigenous peoples to describe a sacred, cultural, and spiritual identity that encompasses both masculine and feminine qualities.

• L (Lesbian): A woman attracted to women.

• G (Gay): A person attracted to the same gender (often used to describe men).

• B (Bisexual): A person attracted to more than one gender.

• T (Transgender): A person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.

• Q (Queer): A broad term for anyone outside traditional gender and sexual norms.

• I (Intersex): A person born with physical traits that don’t fit typical definitions of male or female.

• A (Asexual): A person who experiences little to no sexual attraction.

• + (Plus): Represents other identities not explicitly listed, such as pansexual, non-binary, and more.

For a more comprehensive glossary of terms to support shared understanding of equity, diversity, inclusion, and awareness, refer to The 519’s Glossary of Terms.ual activities in exchange for money or other benefits. If the person is under 18, it is considered sex trafficking even if no force is involved.