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Human Trafficking and Abuse are words most people are familiar with but, for most of us, don’t often intrude on our daily lives. We may run across a flyer in a rest stop bathroom. Every Super Bowl, we may hear the unfounded claim that the Big Game “is one of the biggest days of the year for human trafficking.” Because they are so easily clouded by myth and misunderstanding, the words often feel abstract, distant. Yet, for millions of people, the horrors those three words only imply are the reality they have to contend with every single day – whether as a preyed upon victim, or a survivor trying to move on in the aftermath. On April 8, the Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute at The University of Toledo will spotlight the issue during their “Survivor-led Conference on Violence, Exploitation and Abuse” by centering the voices and experiences of survivors. It’s upsetting subject matter, but one that we can all stand to understand better – what it is, how to combat it, and how to create and support systems that truly help survivors.
Building Systems For Survivors, By Survivors
“For decades, systems have been built about survivors, not with them” said Dr. Celia Williamson – Distinguished Professor at UT and executive director of the Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute, and supporter of the conference. “This conference flips that. It centers survivors as leaders, experts, and decision-makers – not just speakers sharing their stories, but people shaping the agenda, the tone, and the direction.” For her part, Angela Navarro — conference organizer, Social Work student at UT, and Director of Toledo-based nonprofit Sweet Sisterhood – was clear about the event’s mission: “Survivors need to be empowered by professionals through a willingness to listen and by creating space for them to lead. The only way for that to truly happen is by creating a space where professionals and the community are able to…really learn from survivors.” She added that “[t]his was not just about putting on an event. It was about creating a space where that kind of learning and connection can happen in a real way.”
To that end, the Conference’s seven sessions focus on the real, lived experiences of survivors, from “Beyond the Statistics: A Survivor’s Perspective on Human Trafficking, Healing” to “Access Denied: How Systems Fail Trans Women.” These are sessions created to build understanding and spark conversation with the broader Toledo community. Participants will learn about these issues from the people who experienced them and have a chance to better understand how to support survivors and build systems that help, rather than hurt, the people they serve. Tickets are $10 for UT students and $99 for professionals and the wider community. Professionals should also be aware, as the event notes, that “Eligible Attendees receive 5.5 hours of CEU-eligible instruction.”
Getting Involved
While the conference was built with professionals in mind, as they often have the clearest path to effect direct change, both Navarro and Dr. Williamson emphasized that anyone can benefit from attending. For Navarro “whether someone is working to become trauma-informed or anti-trafficking informed, whether they are a survivor, a thriver, or simply someone who wants to understand more,” they can benefit. “Creating space for others to heal and be heard is something that impacts everyone.” Dr. Williamson added, “If anything, having community members there strengthens the conversation. These issues don’t belong only to professionals —they belong to all of us.” Both Navarro and Dr. Williamson also stressed that the only preparation needed was an open mind. “That’s the most important part. Being present and open to creating” a space to learn and listen, said Navarro.
The conference is a full day, running from an 8:30 AM continental breakfast, with sessions starting at 9, and continuing to a 5:00 PM conclusion. For those who are unable to attend the event or simply want to continue to support survivors afterwards, both Navarro and Dr. Williamson suggested Toleodoans connect with a number of local organizations fighting for human trafficking and abuse victims and survivors. The list included the Northern Ohio REACH anti-trafficking coalition, Dr. Willamson’s own organization Emancipation Nation. This topic is hard, and it’s easy to turn away, but we owe it to survivors and to our wider community to lend them our ears and our hands. Whether you’re well versed in the subject or want to learn more, attending April 8’s Survivor-Led Conference on Violence, Exploitation, and Abuse is a worthwhile way to do your part in fostering a better, more supportive, and safer Toledo.
Survivor-Led Conference on Violence, Exploitation and Abuse. University of Toledo, 2801 W.Bancroft St; Health and Human Services Building, Room 1711. Wed. April 8. 8am – 5pm. eventbrite.com/e/the-survivor-led-conference-on-violence-exploitation-and-abuse-registration-1984494137386
