Walk-a-thon raises awareness

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Jean Miller, left, participates in the "Trafficjam" walk-a-thon on Saturday. Photographer: Jason Teakle

Published: Sun, 24 Apr 2011 by Jason Teakle Subscribe to Author | General News Articles 1 reader comments  RSS  PRINT

Deb Johnston walked to help give victims of human trafficking their lives back. "Victims are stripped of their identity and freedom," said Johnston, spokesperson for the local branch of Canada Fights Human Trafficking. "We provide victim services to integrate them back into their community." About a dozen people participated in the Canada Fights Human Trafficking "Trafficjam" walk-a-thon, which took place at the Brantford Tourism Centre on Saturday. Similar Trafficjam walks were also held across the country. Johnston said Canada Fights Human Trafficking also works to raise awareness about the problem of human trafficking within Canada's borders. The organization provides hosing, medical care, language courses and other services to help integrate victims into society. "Two years ago, human trafficking did not exist as an issue," she said. "We work to educate law enforcement, social service agencies, schools and the legal community." Johnston said victims of human trafficking in the past were often referred to as "street youth lured into prostitution." "Now, we are talking about human trafficking and there is a national response," she said. Jean Miller said she participated in Saturday's walk-a-thon because she felt the need to help give victims a voice. "As an Aboriginal woman, it bothers me that many human trafficking victims are Aboriginal," she said. "We are speaking up for those who can't speak for themselves." Participant Lisa Zanetti said victims are often vulnerable because many do not speak English or French. "This is an issue of dignity, worth and justice," Zanetti said. "It is a privilege to do this."