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5 | Thursday June 8, 2 0 1 7 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insidehalton.com SAVIS hosts inform ation forum for public on hum an trafficking by John Bkila Oakville Beaver Staff It feels good to know it's all taken care of." Over 7 0 % of people polled* admit it... they don t know the details of their partner's funeral and cemetery wishes. How about you? Thinking ahead makes sense, so discover your options. Discuss it with your loved ones. Pre-planning is easy with the Family Registry Estate Planner from Arbor Memorial. Self-esteem among youths is at an all-time low thanks to online social media, making those teens especially vulnerable to sexual exploitation. About 50 community members heard that commentary Saturday (June 3) at a Human Trafficking in Halton awareness event. Hosted by Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services (SAVIS) of Halton and the Halton Collaborative Against Human Trafficking (HCAHT), in Burlington, it aimed to give people tools to identify possible cases of sexual exploitation and prevent youth victims. The average age girls enter human trafficking is between 12-14, attendees heard. Alma Arguello, SAVIS of Halton executive director, said the fight against human trafficking and sexual exploitation begins with awareness by parents, guardians, children and teens. "This is why we're doing this event... so if victims come to you, you know what to do and where to direct them for help and support. "It' s very important to have forums like this, a place where we can share awareness and information on how to contact all the support groups and services that are out there." SAVIS is a non-profit agency providing support to survivors of violence through counselling, resources and a 24-hour hotline. The day consisted of speakers from support organizations and services, and a panel discussion with survivors and frontline workers. Theresa Martin, of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Peel-Halton, outlined the differences between sexual exploitation and human trafficking -- the former refers to the abuse or taking advantage of a youth for sexual gains, while the latter involves a pimp and force, deception or coercion of another person for commercial purposes. Martin said predators look online for vulnerabilities, females aged 12-21, may reveal through social media accounts. "They're looking for a lack of positive involvement, lack of supports and low self esteem. People exploit these vulnerabilities to get them into human trafficking." W hat to do if you witness or suspect trafficking or sexual exploitation? Reporting to Police: · Halton Regional Police Service -- 905-825-4777 and ask for on-duty VICE unit officer · Crimestoppers (anonymous crime reporting) -- 1-800222-TIPS (8477) Crisis Support Counselling: · SAVIS of Halton 24/7 Crisis Line -- 905-875-1555 · Distress Centre Halton -- 905-8494541 · COAST (mental health support) -- 1-877-825-9011 Peer Accompaniment or Mobile Support Workers: · SAVIS of Halton -- 905-825-3622 · Elizabeth Fry Society of PeelHalton -- 905-4591315 Emergency Shelter or Practical Assistance: · Halton Women' s Place -- 905-8788555 (north) or 905-332-7892 (south) · Salvation Army Lighthouse -- 905339-2918 · Victim Services -- 905-825-4810 or 905-510-3871 (24hour line) Health Care Support (sexual assault or abuse): · Any hospital emergency room · Nina' s Place -- 905-336-4116 Support for people younger than 16 or who have dependents younger than 16: · Halton Children' s Aid Society -- 905-3334441 · Halton Police -- 905-825-4777 and ask for the on-duty VICE unit officer Call today to order your FREE Planning Kit 9 0 5 -2 5 7 -1 1 0 0 glenoaks.ca Glen Oaks L e o J lV iW O J d e Funeral Home &Cemetery b y A rb o r M em orial 3164 Ninth Line (403 & Dundas St.) Mississauga/Oakville,ON P A E D IA T R IC D E N T IS T Dr. K en n eth H u ne Dr. A u stin K a ye F A M IL Y D E N T IS T i - O r t h o d o n t ic s & In v isa lig n S a m e V isit C r o w n s & B r id g e s - In O f fic e W h it e n in g O ral S u r g e r y D e n ta l I m p la n ts - S l e e p D e n tis tr y R oot C anal T r ea tm en t W W W . 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