Advocates in Simcoe County are raising awareness about women and girls with intellectual disabilities who are increasingly at risk of being lured into sex trafficking.

Empower Simcoe is a multi-service agency supporting many individuals and families, including those with intellectual disabilities.

“Those with intellectual disabilities aren’t able to distinguish between someone who has their best interest at heart and someone who is trying to take advantage of them,” said CEO Dr. Claudine Cousins.

One woman being supported by Empower Simcoe agreed to Cousins sharing her story.

Cousins said this woman met someone who offered her food and shelter after she lost her housing and ended up on the street.

“When she was with that person, he took her driver’s license, took all of her [identific

See Full Page