Information sessions planned in Grey and Bruce County will highlight the upcoming National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, which is February 22.
People can learn more about human trafficking in Kincardine on Tuesday, February 20 at Kincardine District Secondary School (KDSS) and in Owen Sound on Thursday, February 22 at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre. Both events will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Women's House Grey Bruce Fund Development and Communications Manager Krystal Stukas said it's important to know some of the warning signs of human trafficking and how to reduce the risk.
"Human traffickers are drawn to young people who are vulnerable," she revealed. "So those who live in poverty or might not have a great group of friends or family around them. They lure them in with promises of love and support or friendship."
Attendees can learn how to reduce the risk, where to find community resources, and ways to stay safe on the internet. Both events will provide the opportunity to hear from survivors of human trafficking, as they share their unique perspective and experiences.
Stukas added human trafficking is a serious issue that is affecting communities of all sizes across the country, including in Grey and Bruce County.
"Geographic isolation. Volume of tourist towns in the area like Tobermory, Port Elgin and Kincardine. And the direct line into and out of the city via highways 21, 6, and 10," she continued. "It remains an underreported crime, and Grey Bruce is definitely not immune."
The Community Safety and Well Being Plan's Crime Prevention Action Table is promoting the two events in partnership with the Anti-Human Trafficking Committee, Women’s House Serving Bruce & Grey, The Women’s Centre Grey Bruce, and Violence Prevention Grey Bruce.
To sign-up to attend this free educational event visit: https://trellis.org/htawarenessday.
