Who to Contact?
The following Non-Profit and Government Agencies have specialized knowledge and training on the issue of Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation
If you require an emergency response always call 911 first!!
YWCA Halifax NSTAY Team
Access anywhere in the Province
NSTAY@ywcahalifax.com
NSTAY is a program which provides exploited/trafficked youth with wraparound support and connects them with the services they need. NSTAY has been developed with a trauma-informed lens and takes a harm-reduction approach. It is a non-judgmental program and incorporates promising practices from across Canada and is informed by those with experience of exploitation within the sex trade.
GATE Healing Outreach Line
Access anywhere in the Province
1-833-625-GATE (4283)
A component of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia’s GATE program that provides services, outreach, and one-on-one support to young women who are at-risk of, are currently, or are survivors of CSEC in rural Nova Scotia. Supports are provided after hours and on weekends, are non-judgemental and confidential, and are offered in the community and through phone outreach. GATE Outreach can help with referrals and navigating systems including, but not limited to, housing, the Department of Community Services and Criminal Justice Services.
The GATE Outreach line is open the following hours:
Monday: 9am-1am
Tuesday: 9am-11pm
Wednesday: 9am-1am
Thursday: 9am-1am
Friday: 9am-1am
Saturday: 10am-1am
Sunday: 12pm-1am
Stepping Stone
Access in Halifax/Dartmouth
902-420-0103
Stepping Stone is the only non-profit organization in the Maritimes that supports women, men, and transgender persons currently and formerly involved in the sex trade by contributing to their health, safety and well-being. We work from a harm reduction policy and support individuals from all ethnic backgrounds and socio-economic status.
Jane Paul Indigenous Women’s Resource Centre (Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association)
Access in Sydney
(902) 539-5890
The Jane Paul Indigenous Women’s Resource Centre is a program of the Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association and provides a variety of supports and services to Indigenous women and girls living in Sydney, who reside off reserve and away from community resources, many of whom found themselves in high-risk situations.
Nova Scotia Victim Services Human Trafficking Navigators
Available 8:30 am- 4:30 pm
HRM - 1-833-424-3307
Cape Breton, Richmond, Victoria, Guysborough and Inverness - 1-800-565-0071
Annapolis, Digby, West Hants, Kings, Lunenburg, Queens, Shelburne and Yarmouth - 1-800-565-1805
East Hants, Colchester, Cumberland, Pictou and Antigonish - 1-800-565-7912
HT navigators support survivors and families of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. The role of the human trafficking navigator is to maintain effective communication networks with Justice, community and government officials, coordinating services for victims of crime within the criminal justice system and the community, monitoring and recommending intervention strategies to address identified gaps in service at the community level, supporting victims for access to justice, and providing referrals to culturally appropriate resources.
Nova Scotia Provincial Human Trafficking Team (RCMP Integrated)
Access anywhere in the Province
902-449-2425
Police in Nova Scotia want to encourage anyone who is concerned that someone could be a victim of human trafficking to report it by calling or texting the tip line. The tip line is monitored 24/7 by a police officer who can get victims to safety. You can also contact police in your local area for more information.
The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking
Access anywhere in Canada
1-833-900-1010
The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline responds to all forms of human trafficking including both sex and labour trafficking. The hotline provides assistance to and on behalf of minors, adults, males, females, transgender individuals, gender non-conforming individuals, citizens, permanent residents, and foreign nationals.
The Hotline Response Advocates will connect callers to support and services and will also take tips, answer questions and forward information, when appropriate, to law enforcement.
The hotline uses a victim-centered approach to connect human trafficking victims and survivors with emergency, transition, and long-term supports and services in their community. The hotline acts as a central response and referral mechanism, offering 24/7, multilingual access in over 200 languages to a safe and confidential space to ask for help, connect to services, and report tips.
Cybertip.ca
Access anywhere in Canada
1-866-658-9022
Cybertip.ca is Canada’s tipline for reporting the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children and is operated by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. If something has happened online that has made you, or a child or youth you know, feel uncomfortable, unsafe, scared or worried, Cybertip.ca can help. They will listen to your concerns and give you information about steps to take to increase the safety of the child or youth involved.
Additional Supports
These are additional general supports related to issues that often accompany Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (S.A.N.E.)
HRM – 902-425-0122
Annapolis Valley, Tri-County, South Shore – 1-833-577-SANE (7263)
Guysborough, Antigonish, Pictou, Richmond – 1-877-858-8036
Sydney and Greater Cape Breton – 1-844-858-8036
Cumberland, Colchester, East Hants, Eastern Shore – 1-833-757-SANE (7263)
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) are registered nurses who have completed specialized education and clinical preparation in medical forensic care for patients who have experienced sexual assault or abuse. Delivered through contracted service providers, on-call SANE nurses provide immediate care within seven days of a sexual assault to people who would like supportive care, including medical attention, information about resources, as well as the option to have forensic evidence collected.
Independent Legal Advice Program
211
If a sexual assault has occurred and victims are reluctant to call the police they may want to use the ILAP and talk to a lawyer first. This program provides up to 4 hours of free, independent legal advice for victims/survivors who are 16+ years of age who were sexually assaulted in Nova Scotia. Registration is done through an independent agency, 211 Nova Scotia, and participants do not have to report to police or take legal action if they use this service. You do not need to provide details about what happened. You only have to say that you were sexually assaulted in Nova Scotia, and that you would like to speak with a lawyer.
Nova Scotia Crimestoppers
1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
If you are concerned that someone could be a victim of human trafficking and you wish to remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers toll free. Submit a secure web tip using the P3 Tips App or at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca
Nova Scotia Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team
1-888-429-8167
24-hour support to children, youth, and adults experiencing a mental health crisis including thoughts of suicide, distorted or psychotic thinking, intense anxiety, overwhelming depression, feeling unable to cope or feeling out of control.
Services provided include: telephone support, problem solving support, risk assessment, safety planning, and linkages to appropriate resources within the hospital and/or community.