In response to The Ministry of Education requirements of PPM 166, students in Grade 7 and 10 will be receiving a presentation on anti-sex trafficking/anti-human trafficking at their school. The Ministry of Education's policy framework builds on the updated Health and Physical Education (HPE) curriculum for Grades 1 to 8 announced Minister Lecce in 2019.
This presentation for students will be provided by Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis, a lead agency in this critical work in our community. The presentation will include information about what human trafficking is, how people are recruited, stages of trafficking, healthy relationships, boundaries and pressure, risk factors, red flags, and community resources. The presentation will support a large group discussion on a text simulation called “The Trap” and allow time for students to ask questions. Recognizing this topic can be difficult for some, mental health supports will be available for students who may require this additional support and care.
In support of this work, staff have been provided with additional training on anti-sex trafficking/anti-human trafficking to increase awareness on risk factors, red flags, how to engage in a conversation with students who may be at risk, and pathways to connect our students to professional supports.
In addition to training for staff, last year parents were offered a webinar on Understanding Anti-Human Trafficking: An Information Session for Parents on January 31, 2023. Feedback that was received from parents indicated that they wanted to learn more about this topic and learn more about how they can support their children/youth with this concern.
As a result of this request and the ongoing commitment to keep students safe in our community, a follow up virtual webinar will be hosted on February 13, 2024 at 6:30pm.
If there is interest in viewing the January 31, 2023 webinar prior to February 13, 2024 follow up webinar, this recording is available: click here.
Anti-Sex Trafficking Webinar Poster