London's new tool to help victims of human trafficking

London police and other local agencies have established a new way to help victims of human trafficking.

Aweb portal was launched Monday to ensurea coordinated response to a victim's needs such ashealth care, mental health support or housing.It's called the Human Trafficking Community Services Support Portal.

It was launched bythe London Police Service.

• Community agencies hope a directory will help victims of human trafficking

How it works

Staff Sgt. DavidPoustiesaid there are two main elements to the portal that will only be accessible to agencies working with victims.

One is called a "care path" and it involves a listof 22 questions that can be used to help triage or assess a victim's needs.

The second key element is a directory of services including the13 agencies currently registered with the portal.

"What the tool will do is see what supports are available in the community," said Poustie.

About 30 organizations provided input on what wasneeded to support victims.

"When people got together and had a chance to discuss any shortcomings within the community, particularly when responding to victims and the different needs of the victims, it was recognized that this information wasn't necessarily readily available," he said.

Once the needs have been identified, a step-by-step working plan can be put in place.

• Inside a human trafficking investigation

Problem is province wide

"There's a misconception that people are being smuggled from other countries," said Poustie.

"In reality, it's mostly young women from within our own community that are being forced into this. It's a province-wideissue that sees victims being transported from one jurisdiction to another. Often, they've been moved around sothey don't even know where they are."

The Salvation Army is among the list of registeredorganizations.

Officials said in a release that the organizationsees "first hand" hundreds of victims of human trafficking across the country, especially in London.

Officials of theVanierChildren's Services said their organizationis "committed to addressing the impacts of human trafficking on children, youth and their families," as well as "facilitating pathways to mental health services."

Other agencies interested in registering with the portalcan contact London police atcivsu@police.london.ca.