The Multicultural Association of Pre-health Students and the Criminal Justice Club will host Human Trafficking Awareness Week on Jan. 12-16.
Kaisha Butz, junior biology major and president of M.A.P.S. said trafficking happens in our own backyard and people need to know how to recognize the signs of someone who may be trafficked.
“Florida is number three in the nation for human trafficking,” she said. “Plantation is the top area in Florida for sex trafficking and Miami is number one in Florida for labor trafficking.”
On Jan. 12, M.A.P.S. will table in the UC from noon to 1 p.m. to advertise the week of events.
“The week is not only to educate students about human trafficking, but to also create ideas to stop it and devise a plan as to how victims can receive help,” Butz said.
On Jan. 13, Lauren Zuchman, a clinical social worker, will speak to attendees in the Knight Auditorium on the first floor of the Carl DeSantis Building from noon to 1 p.m.
“If we are aware of trafficking, we will stay safe as students, and the more likely we will be able to recognize it andreport it,” Butz said.
On Jan. 14, from noon to 1 p.m. in the UC, the organization will host a photo shoot and provide a banner for students to decorate. The photos will be placed on the banner and hung in the UC.
On Jan. 15, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Knight Auditorium, there will be another guest speaker, Brianna Kent, assistant professor at College of Health Care Sciences, to discuss the health impacts that human trafficking has on its victims.
The last event is a movie night featuring the film “Eden,” based on a true story of someone who had been trafficked, on Jan. 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Knight Auditorium. Pizza, soda, snacks and popcorn will be provided.
For each event, students can bring the flyer advertising Awareness Week to get it stamped. Students with at least two stamps will get a prize.
“Human trafficking is a big problem in and is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world,” Butz said. “If we are aware we can help stop it.”
For more information, contact Butz at kb1325@nova.edu.
