Shruti is a 23-year-old female who arrived in Canada from the US three years ago. She came to Canada originally to go to school. While in school, she was lonely and tried desperately to fit in with others. A young man, who helped her find an apartment, befriended her. He introduced her to alcohol and drugs. He played the role of devoted boyfriend for 4 months and then once she was completely dependent upon him for her drug supply, he started selling her to clients for sex. She became trapped in the sex trafficking trade. After a near fatal overdose, Shruti escaped from this man and disappeared to a new town. She is alone, frightened that he will find her, and has no resources or knowledge of the supports available to her.

Mia is a 17-year-old transgender woman fleeing an abusive relationship. She cannot go home to her parents, as they have disowned her for her “unacceptable behaviour,” with her father claiming that the “devil” was ruling her choices and that there is no place for the devil in his home. Mia goes to the local women’s shelter, whose mandate is to support women fleeing from sexual and domestic abuse. The intake worker indicates that they are very full. When pressed she tells Mia that they have a bed but that she doesn’t think they will fit in with the other residents (some of whom are children) and that there are no services tailored to their special needs. She is turned away.