Advocate speaks out as local man faces more human trafficking charges
Posted Mar 15, 2017 06:33:01 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
HALIFAX – Numerous charges have been laid in cases of human trafficking and kidnapping against a Hammonds Plains man, and one local activist is hoping people in our city will start listening when those affected speak out.
Lia Renaud says she wants to see change, and it needs to come sooner rather than later.
“I hope people are starting to listen,” said Renaud. “Canada remains a source, transit and destination for sex trafficking according to a report, and it’s happening here in our community.”
These comments come as 32-year-old Leeanthon Oliver was back in Halifax provincial court on Monday after a second teen came forward.
He faces sexual interference and two counts of sexual assault. He is also accused of luring a child over the internet, forcible confinement, and procuring a person under 18 for the purpose of providing sexual services.
Renaud says there is a huge misconception is that human trafficking is a choice.
“I think the majority of people just aren’t educated,” said Renaud. “They may not be aware of what human trafficking is – a lot of people believe that it’s a choice.”
These latest efforts are all part of a campaign called “Say Something if you See Something”.
