Human trafficking awareness symposium set May 4 in Lewes

The GFWC Zwaanendael Women’s Club of Lewes, in collaboration with the Delaware Anti-Trafficking Action Council, will present a free symposium on human trafficking from 2 to 3:30 p.m., Sunday, May 4, in the auditorium at Cape Henlopen High School, 1250 Kings Highway, Lewes.

The event’s purpose is to increase public awareness of human trafficking, and its emotional and physical impact on the victims. Speakers will be representatives from DATAC and will include a survivor. Parents, educators, medical personnel and those who deal with the public are strongly encouraged to attend. All are welcome to attend, and admission is free. Attendees are encouraged to register by emailing ZClubLewes@gmail.com.

Though it largely goes unseen, human trafficking is the second-largest criminal enterprise worldwide, according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. It is a modern-day form of slavery in which traffickers use force, fraud or coercion to control victims for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or labor services against their will. Although the majority of human trafficking victims are women and children, no one is immune.

Organizers hope that hearing a survivor’s story will help attendees understand the long-term trauma that results from being a victim of human trafficking. Attendees will have the chance to ask questions following the presentations.