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Operation Northern Spotlight seeks out women forced into sex trade

Thunder Bay Police say they took part in a nation-wide blitz trying to find women being coerced or forced to work in the sex-trade industry.

Thunder Bay Police say they took part in a nation-wide blitz trying to find women being coerced or forced to work in the sex-trade industry.

In a release issued on Tuesday, police say they interviewed 20 women between 22 and 48 on the streets of Thunder Bay as part of Operation Northern Spotlight and found three they believed to be under some level of control.

“They were offered support services, including health care and mental/emotional supports in hopes they can consider other options,” police spokeswoman Julie Tilbury said in a release.

Police also asked anyone involved in a similar situation, or that knows someone in peril, to come forward.

“TBPS takes these cases seriously and will conduct a thorough investigation, as well as protect the victims of this crime,” Tilbury said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Dale Robertson at 1-807-684-1237.

Other resources in Thunder Bay include:


Human Trafficking and Victim Resources in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay Police Service
In an emergency situation: 911
Non-emergency: 1-807-684-1200

Thunder Bay and Area Victim Services
Phone: 1-807-684-1051
Email: tbavs@tbaytel.net

Walk With Me Canada Victim Services
Phone: 1-866-528-7109
Email: Victimcare@walk-with-me.org

Thunder Bay Crisis Response Service
Phone: 1-807-346-8282

Thunder Bay Sexual Abuse / Sexual Assault Counseling & Crisis Centre
Phone: 1-807-345-0894

Kid's Help Line
Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Assaulted Women's Help Line
1-866-863-0511



Leith Dunick

About the Author: Leith Dunick

A proud Nova Scotian who has called Thunder Bay home since 2002, Leith is Dougall Media's director of news, but still likes to tell your stories too. Wants his Expos back and to see Neil Young at least one more time. Twitter: @LeithDunick
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