All community members are invited to attend a special Anti-Trafficking Initiative Training hosted by Clark State College from 2 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Monday (Feb. 3) on the Springfield Campus, 570 E. Leffel Lane, LRC Building, Room 207. Event attendance and parking are free.
The event will feature Harold D’Souza, a survivor of labor trafficking from his hometown in India to a restaurant in Cincinnati. D’Souza will share his personal story of being forced to work under abusive conditions for more than 16 hours a day with no pay. After bravely seeking help from law enforcement, Harold escaped his trafficker and has since become an outspoken advocate for trafficking survivors. His work has earned him recognition at the national level, including appointments to the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking and the 2017 Liberator Award. D’Souza’s advocacy extends globally through his organization, Eyes Open International.
D’Souza will be joined by Mary Kate Waggoner, anti-human trafficking victim advocate, who will provide insight and information on sex and labor trafficking definitions; federal and state human trafficking laws; warning signs of trafficking; and resources and support for victims.
The event follows National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, which occurs annually in January, and provides the opportunity for the public to engage with leading experts about the scope of human trafficking and how to help prevent modern-day slavery.
RSVPs are not required, but are encouraged for seating purposes to Melinda Van Noord, Clark State counseling director, at vannoordm@clarkstate.edu or 937-328-7961.