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WilmU Launches New Series of Human Trafficking Studies Webinars 

Human Trafficking Studies Webinars

More than 27 million — that’s the estimated number of human trafficking victims worldwide. January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and to help raise awareness, Wilmington University invites you to attend expert-led webinars now through April. 

These are “free educational and professional development opportunities for everyone to learn more about human trafficking, cultural aspects of help-seeking behaviors, professional burnout and developing resilience,” says Dr. Johanna Bishop, director of Behavioral Science programs in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

On Jan. 28, Loretta Young, a Delaware Family Court commissioner, will explain “Forced Criminology: Labor Trafficking by Forced Criminality,” which is when traffickers compel victims to commit crimes like shoplifting or drug dealing. Later that day, Brian Moore will teach “Grooming Awareness and Prevention: Knowing What You Don’t Know.” 

On Feb. 25, Daniel Burke will discuss “Grooming Behavior in Athletics,” and Dr. Cristina Flores-Gil will present “Not Crazy: Cultural Conceptualization of Mental Illness Among the Latino/a Community.”  

On March 25, Frank Burton Jr., a retired FBI special agent, and Nahel Abdel Meguid will share firsthand experiences during “Hate Crimes: Discussion of an Actual Case Worked by the FBI.” Then Cynthia Powell will address the unique challenges helpers face in “Cultivating Resilience: Mindfulness and Wellness Strategies for First Responders and Health Care Professionals.” 

Offering Human Trafficking Education 

“As we continue to provide these public educational opportunities and learn about human trafficking, we have also learned that we need to address the emotional and psychological demands this work makes on those working in the helping professions,” Dr. Bishop says.  

On April 29, Christopher Workman, a career police officer, will explore “Policing & Mental Health: Silence Behind the Blue Wall.” To wrap up the series, Jessica Konecke and Annabelle Thomson from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) will talk about “Resources of the NCMEC for Missing Children and Child Sex Trafficking Victims.” 

“Identified cases of human trafficking continue to rise, and that is because of the work we do to educate on how to recognize human trafficking,” Dr. Bishop says. “More agencies, organizations and the nonprofit sector are seeking workers with some knowledge of human trafficking.” 


 

Wilmington University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences logo.

Become part of the initiative to educate, advocate and end human trafficking. Learn more about WilmU’s Human Trafficking Studies Webinars and register for free. 

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