Human Trafficking Awareness Day

February 22 is Human Trafficking Awareness Day. As a community committed to safety and awareness-raising, we encourage everyone to take time to learn more about the signs of trafficking and challenge the myths that allow it to continue and support individuals and communities that are impacted.  

Human trafficking is a complex issue that thrives in silence. By educating ourselves and others, promoting empathy, and recognizing the realities of exploitation, we can all contribute to creating a community where every person is safe, valued, and free from violence. Here at Durham College, it’s important to recognize that human trafficking is not a distant issue, it is happening within our surrounding community. According to The Chronicle, human trafficking remains a growing concern in the Durham Region due to the area’s proximity to Highway 401, which allows traffickers to move victims between cities. 

There is help— Victim Services of Durham Region in collaboration with the Durham Regional Police Service developed the HALT Model, which brings social services and law enforcement together, coordinating support to provide compassionate, survivor‑informed, and survivor‑led responses that prioritize safety, dignity, and long‑term healing. 

On campus, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion website is a valuable resource for Human Rights and Sexual Violence supports on campus, as well as broader community resources. Our office offers services to address human rights concerns, access training and educational resources, and receive guidance on policies that protect community members from discrimination, harassment, and violence. We also provide confidential disclosure options and connections to both on‑ and off‑campus support services. 

If you or anyone you know is experiencing trafficking, please call the Durham Regional Police Human Trafficking Hotline at 905-579-1520 ext. 4888.