A significant portion of the women we support arrive at HER Victory directly from the streets, seeking refuge, sustenance, and emotional support after often traumatic experiences. At HER Victory, we strongly believe that our mission is to offer help to those in pain. We aim to meet each woman at her point of need, surrounding her with a dedicated team to guide her toward freedom.

Our comprehensive support includes case management with a social worker, access to vital resources, crisis counselling for trauma, prayer support, showers, food assistance, hot meals, and the comfort of friendship. We are committed to walking alongside each woman as she faces the traumas and challenges she carries, offering a compassionate and supportive presence every step of the way.

Absolutely. The current statistics from the city reveal a staggering reality: there are approximately 3,000 individuals working in the sex industry in Calgary at this very moment. This chilling number underscores the stark prevalence and active nature of sex trafficking in our city.

Success, for us, is forged through the establishment of genuine, trusting relationships with individuals. It's about assisting them on their path to healing and restoration, addressing their basic needs with practical care, and reinstating a sense of dignity. We envelop them in a supportive community and friendship, guiding them toward a more hopeful and positive life narrative.

For some, a day marked by sobriety and access to a safe haven is a significant achievement. Over the years, we've been privileged to witness numerous women leave behind exploitative situations and reclaim their lives in full freedom.

If you are interested, please click on the Take Action tab on our website. There is an application and interview process. We encourage a few trial serves to find your fit and passion. If you are uncomfortable or cannot volunteer on-site, we have plenty of other opportunities to support us.

1) 96% of trafficking victims in Canada are female

2) 71% of trafficking victims in Canada are under the age of 25

3) 91% of trafficking victims in Canada know their trafficker (31% the trafficker is a spouse or intimate partner, 27% criminal, business, or other relationship to trafficker, 31% friend or acquaintance, only 9% stranger

4) 93% of trafficking victims are Canadian citizens, no foreign citizen

Despite the physical danger, leaving traffickers is also significantly psychologically and emotionally challenging. Traffickers often form strong trauma bonds with those they are exploiting and use manipulative tactics to control and isolate victims from their friends and family. According to a report published by the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking, other barriers that victims face, as identified by police services and service providers, include social stigma, lack of information or challenges in navigating services, lack of appropriate shelter or housing, addictions, insufficient income support or limited financial options, or mistrust in service providers. In order to effectively support women to safely exit sexual exploitation, we must recognize these barriers, advocate and take action to remove them, and ensure that victims are provided with a comprehensive range of support as they walk towards a life of freedom, healing, and hope.

Myth: Human trafficking only happens in illegal or underground industries

Reality: Human Trafficking cases have been reported and prosecuted in industries including restaurants, cleaning services, construction, factories, and more

Myth: People being trafficked are physically unable to leave their situations/locked in/held against their will

Reality: That is sometimes the case. More often, however, people in trafficking situations stay for reasons that are more complicated. Some lack the basic necessities to physically get out – such as transportation or a safe place to live. Some are afraid for their safety. Some have been so effectively manipulated that they do not identify at that point as being under the control of another person.

Myth:Human trafficking involves moving, traveling or transporting a person across state or national borders.

Reality: Human trafficking is often confused with human smuggling, which involves illegal border crossings. In fact, the crime of human trafficking does not require any movement whatsoever. Survivors can be recruited and trafficked in their own home towns, even their own homes.

Myth: Traffickers target victims they don’t know.

Reality: Many survivors have been trafficked by romantic partners, including spouses, and by family members, including parents

Myth: human trafficking does not exist in 1st world countries

Reality: human trafficking exists in every country - it is nation wide. In cities, suburbs and rural towns

1) Targeting and luring

Traffickers seek out and identify potential victims who seem to be vulnerable to manipulation and control. This can be done through social media or spaces such as homeless shelters, group homes, foster care homes, malls, or drop-in centers/programs.

2) Grooming and gaming

Traffickers build relationships with their victims to create a sense of trust and dependency, specifically targeting individuals who have never experienced this type/level of emotional affirmation and acceptance before. They may do so by providing the victim with gifts, affection, or other gestures to make them feel loved. Another tactic used in this stage is substance dependence by encouraging substance use or maintaining a continual supply of drugs and/or alcohol. Meanwhile, traffickers use various strategies to isolate their victims from friends, family, or other supportive networks.

3) Coercion and manipulation

Traffickers send mixed messages to their victims by withholding the things that they previously gave to make the victim feel cared for and appreciated. They use the information they have learned about the victim to manipulate their behaviour. They may also desensitize victims to sexual acts or convince the victim that commercial sex work is a viable avenue to getting the money they need to pay off debts or pursue other dreams or aspirations.

4) Exploitation and control

In this phase, the trafficker often has complete control over the identity documents, cellphones, movements, and money of those who they are exploiting. Victims often fear speaking out about their trafficker due to the risk of violence to themselves or others or deportation. By keeping victims isolated from friends, family and support networks, traffickers make them doubt themselves and prevent them from getting positive reinforcement and support.

Absolutely not! We believe in the power of inclusivity and compassion. Our doors are open wide to welcome anyone who is hurting, hungry, or needs a friend.

We strive to create a warm, welcoming environment where everyone feels accepted and valued. Whether you're facing difficult circumstances, struggling with hunger, or simply seeking companionship, we offer support and a listening ear.

You'll find a community at our outreach center that cares deeply about your well-being. We offer more than just a meal or a place to rest; we provide a sense of belonging and connection. You're not alone in your journey; we're here to walk alongside you, offering support, understanding, and friendship.