Fund Workshops to End Trafficking in Canada

As we move through 2026, Aura Freedom continues to strengthen community capacity to prevent human trafficking and gender-based violence (GBV) through education, training, and cross-sector collaboration. This reporting period focused on equipping frontline professionals with practical knowledge to better understand, identify, and respond to trafficking, exploitation, and GBV.

Building Knowledge & Capacity

During this reporting period, Aura Freedom delivered three prevention-focused training sessions for frontline professionals in Ontario, including two sessions with staff at YWCA Hamilton and a training with Family Transition Place.

The YWCA Hamilton provides a range of programs and services supporting women, gender-diverse people, and families, including housing, employment, settlement, and violence prevention and response supports. Building staff capacity to recognize the connections between GBV, exploitation, and human trafficking strengthens the organization’s ability to incorporate prevention and trauma-informed approaches across its work.

Aura Freedom also delivered training for staff at Family Transition Place, a community organization in Orangeville that provides support, shelter, and services for women and children experiencing violence. As an organization working directly with people impacted by gender-based violence, Family Transition Place represents an important setting for strengthening knowledge of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and the broader conditions that can increase vulnerability to violence and exploitation.

Across these trainings, participants explored the realities of human trafficking and sexual exploitation, risk factors and early indicators, survivor-centred and trauma-informed approaches, and the systemic conditions that enable exploitation and violence. These sessions help ensure that professionals working directly with communities have the knowledge and tools to recognize risk, respond safely, and contribute to prevention.

Strengthening Frontline Responses

These trainings are part of Aura Freedom’s broader prevention approach: building capacity before harm occurs while strengthening the systems and communities surrounding those most at risk. By working with organizations that support women, families, and people experiencing violence, Aura Freedom helps bring human trafficking and exploitation into broader conversations about GBV prevention and community safety.

Partnerships such as these also create opportunities for shared learning and stronger connections across sectors. When frontline organizations have a common understanding of trafficking, exploitation, and GBV, they are better positioned to recognize emerging concerns and respond in ways that prioritize safety, dignity, and survivor wellbeing.

Looking Ahead

Aura Freedom will continue delivering prevention-focused training and building relationships with organizations across Ontario. Through ongoing education and collaboration, we are working toward communities that are better equipped to recognize exploitation, challenge the conditions that enable violence, and prevent human trafficking and GBV before they occur.

Thank you for supporting this work. Every training helps strengthen the knowledge and capacity needed to build safer communities and move closer to a future free from trafficking and violence.

With gratitude and solidarity,
Aura Freedom International