Dianna Bussey

Chair of The Salvation Army Territorial Anti-Human Trafficking Network

Areas of Expertise
Human Trafficking
Sexual Trafficking
Commercial Sexual Exploitation
Correctional Social Services

Bio and Experience
Dianna Bussey is Chair of The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory Anti-Human Trafficking Network and has been the territorial representative for The Salvation Army’s global response against Human Trafficking since 2004. She has worked for The Salvation Army since 1992, predominately based in Winnipeg with The Salvation Army Correctional & Justice Services.

The Salvation Army’s Anti-Human Trafficking Network is extensive, with various initiatives in progress around the country. For example, The Salvation Army has joined or created several partnerships that include other Faith Organizations, NGO’s, government and law enforcement that work to raise awareness of Human Sex Trafficking and address the potential needs of victims. Ms. Bussey’s role involves keeping people from both inside and outside the organization informed about the latest initiatives and projects taking place. On a day to day basis she conducts research and collates information from around the world, as well as within Canada. In September 2009, for the fourth consecutive year, members of The Salvation Army will join with Christians from around the world to participate in three days of prayer for victims of Human Trafficking.

Human trafficking in Canada
“It was estimated in 2004 that only 1 in 10 people would report a human trafficking case to the police. Sadly, trafficking is an issue that is very difficult to detect and it may only be when a trafficked person is stumbled upon that we learn the truth about trafficking.”

Human trafficking worldwide
“There are estimates that advise between 400,000 and 4,000,000 people are trafficked annually each year worldwide. This huge discrepancy illustrates one of the major issues in our understanding of this problem – the clandestine nature of the crime itself.”

The Salvation Army’s role
“The main focus of The Salvation Army is to raise awareness of human trafficking. We are particularly focused on sexual exploitation, predominantly with women and children. There are many myths about human trafficking and exploitation and we strive to ensure correct information is available to all.”

Prevention
“It is our responsibility to do as much prevention work as possible, and that comes through raising awareness. If people know the situation exists, they can protect their children from being exploited not only through human trafficking but other forms of exploitation. We are striving to ensure that we educate our young people so that they do not become a part of the consumer demand, which fuels trafficking and commercial exploitation.

Public awareness
“The media has certainly picked up on the issue of human trafficking and its link to sexual exploitation. Human trafficking is not new, but the issue has become more prevalent in the media. People have been writing more about it, so the public is becoming more appalled by it and rightly so. People also need to be aware that sexual exploitation and prostitution are very much linked to human trafficking.”

The public view
“The general feeling is that people know about human trafficking but they doubt that anything can be done to stop it. There is complacency because people think it doesn’t affect them and is not happening wherever they are. But, the fact is, human trafficking is pervasive in practically every country around the world.”

What can be done?
“We have to stand up against abuse, and I believe I play a primary role in this work. I encourage people not to stand by and watch things happen. Instead, we need to solve problems together and in ways that match our values as a Christian organization.”

Dianna Bussey is available for media interviews, speaking engagements and other appearances. To contact Dianna Bussey, please call or email Andrew Burditt with The Salvation Army at (416) 422-6208 or Andrew_Burditt@can.salvationarmy.org.