The Durham Regional Police Service is holding a safety awareness event at the Oshawa Centre in Oshawa, Ontario, on February 19, 2026. Officers and community partners will be available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to answer questions and provide information on how to identify and prevent human trafficking.
This event allows residents to speak directly with experts about spotting warning signs and reporting suspicious activities. Specialists from the police and Victim Services of Durham Region will be on hand to offer local support and referrals for potential victims and their families.
The session follows a recent investigation where police charged six men with 19 crimes related to the exploitation of minors on February 9, 2026. In 2023, the local police unit started 289 investigations and provided help to 235 people who were involved in or at risk of human trafficking.
Current data shows that Ontario accounts for roughly 60 per cent of all human trafficking victims in the country, and more than 97 per cent of those victims are female. The community outreach event is also part of the lead-up to National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, which is observed every year on February 22.
Residents can learn about specific resources provided by Victim Services of Durham Region, such as emergency housing and specialized counselling. The event is designed to break the silence around crimes that often occur in plain sight within suburban neighbourhoods.
