Abbotsford Community Services (ACS) hosts a free two-day “train the trainer” workshop on Nov. 5 and 6 on the topic of human trafficking.
The session runs each day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at ACS, 2420 Montrose Ave.
In 2007, the provincial government launched the Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons (OCTIP), responsible for addressing human trafficking in B.C.
Workshop organizers say Abbotsford’s location along the border and its extensive agricultural and trucking industries make exploitation prevalent among youth, seniors and temporary/foreign workers, but it is hard to detect and often goes unreported.
Participants at the workshop will learn the definition of trafficking, the forms of exploitation present in Canada and particularly in the Fraser Valley, the indicators of a human trafficking situation, information about the links between gang activity and human trafficking, how to assist a trafficked person, how to mobilize the community, and resources available.
A community response will be created using the OCTIP Service Model, and by identifying available service and gaps.
This workshop is intended for service providers, community organizations, Aboriginal specific organizations, municipal government representatives, law enforcement, schools, BC government ministries and other key community members.
Registration is available through eventbrite.ca under Human Trafficking: Fraser Valley Community Response Workshop.