Learning About Human Trafficking In Our Region

Tuesday, 28 May 2019 07:43

Human Trafficking is one of the fastest growing crimes in the World and we are not exempt in Oxford County, a special free public information session is happening tonight in Woodstock, discussing the dangers of Human Trafficking.

OXFORD COUNTY - A free public information session tonight in Woodstock will talk about the dangers of human trafficking.

Human Services Manager at the County of Oxford Lynda Bartlett says the event will feature a presentation from Carol Pugh-Roberts who is a survivor of human trafficking.

"We are going to hear from a victim of human trafficking, she is going to share her story and we are also going to hear from Melissa Kovacs with the OPP and also the Woodstock Police Services."

She adds that Human Trafficking is not something that only happens in the big city, it happens locally as well.

"Despite many people thinking it's not happening in Oxford county, sadly it is, we have the 401 corridor running right through our community and there is a lot of opportunities for human trafficking along the 401. So in speaking with a number of community agencies who have concerns about Human Trafficking, we have all come together to create this event. We just want to educate the public and give them an opportunity to come out, hear from people with lived experience, the police and the best defence is education and understanding."

Human Trafficking is a growing problem worldwide and Oxford County is certainly not immune. Pugh-Roberts will share her incredible story of survival, while representatives of the OPP and Woodstock Police will explain the dangers of human trafficking locally. The police will be able to arm participants with tools to protect themselves and their loved ones. The evening will also feature a presentation from Domestic Abuse Services Oxford or DASO.

The evening will close with a question and answer period. It is happening on Tuesday May 28th from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Unifor Local 636 Hall in Woodstock on Beale Street. This event is free for everyone to attend.