girl next door

We told you earlier this week about efforts by a Conservative MPP to get her private members bill on human trafficking into law.

One of the key parts of the bill called the saving the girl next door act is a task force in which there will be coordination of police forces, crown attorneys and victim services in terms of training and resources for victims too.

Laurie Scott’s efforts are being applauded by local police officials who say human trafficking is not just a big city issue but it’s also in our own backyard.

Const. Aaron Northrup says it’s an awful life for victims and a tough battle for police to find the perpetrators.  Const. Northrup cites a recent case in North Bay in which young victims are living in a hotel servicing men sexually and then having to leave at a moment’s notice.

He says there are also health care issues.

Chief Shawn Devine says parents need to be more aware and most contact the predator makes with a potential victim, is done on social media.

Const. Northrup says North Bay is a popular spot for predators as we’re right on highways 11 and 17 and only a few hours from Ottawa and Toronto.