Niagara Sexual Assault Centre also stresses importance of monitoring childrens' social media, where predators lurk
Some startling numbers from the Niagara Sexual Assault Centre concerning the region's numbers, and that of human trafficking.
Public Relations Manager Tricia Cosgrove says there are over 460,000 assaults nationwide yearly, 33 of 1,000 cases are reported, 6 are prosecuted, with about three convictions.
She adds Niagara has some of the highest rates of human trafficking in North America. "The other thing we're really noticing, is a dramatic increase in the level of violence in the cases that we're seeing. So this is really why our services are so vital."
She also stresses the need for parents to monitor the social media of their kids.
"If the children are young, apps like Instagram, Discord... they are so ripe for predators."
She was encouraged by Welland city council to seek more funding during budget season.