Brock University wants to shed light on a dark world filled with unspeakable acts. 

In hopes of raising awareness and starting a discussion on campus, human trafficking will be at the forefront of two upcoming workshops hosted by the University’s Office of Human Rights and Equity sexual violence prevention team. 

In this three-hour program, guests from YWCA Niagara Region will discuss barriers for individuals trapped in the cycle of abuse, the impacts of substance abuse and trauma as it relates to human trafficking. Participants will learn how to recognize the stages of trafficking as well as how to safely intervene at each stage.  

Brock faculty and staff are invited to attend a session on Wednesday, Aug. 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. A second workshop on Wednesday, Sept. 18 also takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. but is open to Brock students in addition to University employees.  

“The workshop is an accessible and necessary introduction to recognize and prevent human trafficking within our Brock community, while also introducing the Niagara protocol for human trafficking,” said Larisa Fry, Sexual Violence Co-ordinator and Educator. 

“We want to demystify the myths surrounding human trafficking so we can all become proactive participants in change.” 

Past participant Jane Theriault-Norman, fourth-year Kinesiology student, appreciated that the content, although heavy, was discussed in a simple and effective way.  

“Not only did I learn some great tips for helping others, I also learned how to keep myself safer too,” she said. 

Interested students, faculty and staff are asked to register their attendance by emailing svsec@brocku.ca