Public workshop in Kincardine on identifying, reporting human trafficking

(LONDON, ON) – The West Region OPP invites members of the public, particularly educators and hospitality workers, to attend START (Stop Trafficking, Advocate and Report Today) training. The program was designed to help members of the public spot the signs of human trafficking.  

Participants will learn:
 

• The indicators of human trafficking
• How to identify victims of human trafficking
• How people are victimized by human trafficking
• What to report to the police and how
• How to keep themselves safe if they suspect human trafficking

The START program will also feature keynote speaker Timea Nagy, human trafficking survivor, author, speaker and social advocate. Nagy immigrated to Canada in 1998. Her nightmare unfolded in Toronto in that same year after arriving from Budapest, Hungary, in the hopes of finding meaningful employment. The daughter of a Hungarian police woman, Nagy was held in a cheap motel, at the hands of traffickers, forced to work in the sex industry. 

Why Educators Should Attend
Victims of human trafficking are generally young. According to Statistics Canada, close one-half (47 per cent) of human trafficking victims between 2009 and 2014 were between the ages of 18-24. One-quarter (25 per cent) of human trafficking victims during the same timeframe were under the age of 18. 

Why Hospitality Workers Should Attend
According to Public Safety Canada, human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation is, to date, the most common manifestation of this crime. Sex traffickers often take advantage of the privacy and anonymity offered by the hospitality industry. They can operate discreetly because staff and guests may not know the signs of human trafficking.

The free workshop is being held in Kincardine, Thursday, March 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Best Western Plus Governor's Inn. Coffee and lunch will be provided.

Registration
The START program is free, but registration is required. Register by March 15, at Danielle.D.Verrier@opp.ca.