This type of trafficking involves recruiting, transporting or holding someone for the purpose of sexual exploitation.  It is induced by force, fraud or coercion by a third party, with the aim of exploiting that person for profit.  Anyone under the age of 18 is unable to consent to engaging in commercial sexual services.
 
Anyone can become a victim regardless of gender, gender identity, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.  However, there are some populations that are more vulnerable to being targeted by traffickers.  In Canada, Aboriginal women & girls, those who identify as LGBTQ+ youth and youth who have experienced abuse, neglect, homelessness, involvement in children services, or trauma are some of the most vulnerable populations.
 
Each situation is different, as some victims might go missing and be trafficked in another town or province or they may still live at home, attending school and work.  In many cases, trafficked individuals develop a "trauma bond" with their trafficker, and may not self-identify as a victim.  While traffickers can be strangers, more often than not, they are “boyfriends" who find their victims through friends, relatives or social media.