Beyond survival: local event to spotlight the realities of human trafficking

An upcoming keynote at the Sarnia Library Theatre aims to move the conversation beyond surface-level statistics by centering survivor experiences and addressing the systemic gaps in local support and housing.

The Centre in Sarnia is hosting a keynote event titled "Beyond Survival: Life Before and After Trafficking" to mark National Anti-Human Trafficking Awareness Day. The event features Kaitlin Bick, an anti-human trafficking specialist with over eight years of frontline experience supporting survivors of gender-based violence and housing precarity.

Scheduled for Monday, March 2, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Sarnia Library Theatre, the presentation seeks to educate the community on the realities of domestic sex trafficking. Bick, a graduate of Seneca College’s Social Service Worker Program, brings a perspective rooted in both professional advocacy and lived experience.

Organizers are framing the event as a call for systems change rather than just an informational session. By highlighting the intersections of trafficking with housing instability and institutional gaps, the keynote aims to dismantle the stigma that often prevents survivors from accessing local care.

The afternoon will include:

• A keynote address by Kaitlin Bick on frontline support and advocacy.
• Insights into trauma-informed and anti-oppressive practices.
• On-site counsellors to provide immediate support and debriefing for attendees.
• Light refreshments and swag bags for participants.

The Centre’s initiative serves as a reminder that independent community awareness is a vital tool against systemic exploitation. Tickets for the event are available through Revelree, and further inquiries can be directed to the local organization at [email protected].