United Way's 21-Day Equity Challenge is an opportunity to expand our shared knowledge and understanding of the historic and persistent inequities that play a role in our social and economic landscape here in Southeastern Michigan. This year's challenge includes Action Fridays - opportunities for you to turn your learning into action in our community!
Join United Way at Avalon Healing Center for an Anti-Trafficking learning session on Friday, May 31, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The term human trafficking is an umbrella term used to describe a form of abuse that thousands of people experience every year. There are many misconceptions and myths around the subject. Human trafficking is defined as the unlawful act of transporting or coercing people to benefit from their work or service, typically in the form of forced labor or sexual exploitation. U.S. law defines human trafficking as the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person into commercial sex acts or labor against their will. The Polaris Project’s Action-Means-Purpose (AMP) Model can clarify the federal law. Human trafficking occurs when a perpetrator, often referred to as a trafficker, takes an Action (induces, recruits, harbors, transports, provides), and then employs the Means of force, fraud, or coercion for the Purpose of compelling the victim to provide commercial sex acts (sex trafficking) or labor/services (labor trafficking). At minimum, one element from each column must be present to establish a potential situation of human trafficking.
The term human trafficking has evolved over time, and we now refer to the advocacy provided as Anti-Trafficking. This was put into play by the federal government to put more focus on working against trafficking and humanizing the survivors.
Learning Session Agenda:
- Recognizing key indicators of human trafficking
- Common indicators to help recognize human trafficking.
- Bystander Intervention
- Anti-Trafficking: A Health Crisis
- A Call to Action
- Avalon and our AT program
- Anti-Trafficking Resources
- Tour of the building after presentation
- Lunch
Please note that this session has themes and examples of human trafficking, sexual assault, and violence. If you are a survivor and need support, you can receive free, confidential help with Avalon Healing Center (https://avalonhealing.org/about/#mission-statement) through their 24-hour hotline at 313-474-SAFE.
