In August, Wilmington University hosted Disrupting Human Trafficking: Driving Change!, an in-person conference that brought together experts, practitioners, and survivors to examine strategies for prevention, awareness and recovery.

Keynote speaker Rachel Fischer, a registered nurse, consultant, and survivor of human trafficking, shared her story in Trafficking Through the Lens of Lived Experience. Fischer, who has helped recover missing children and collaborated with nonprofits worldwide, urged attendees to focus on victim-centered outcomes and systemic change.

Breakout sessions explored trafficking through multiple lenses. WilmU faculty Dr. James Fraley, Robert Passarelli and Darryl Santry presented “Recognizing Human Trafficking in Digital Spaces,” a workshop showing how traffickers use social media, gaming and technology to groom victims. Participants learned to spot warning signs online and apply prevention strategies across healthcare, education, law enforcement and social services.

Dan Burke, WilmU’s head basketball coach, examined how the power dynamic between young athletes and authority figures — coaches, administrators and recruiters — can create opportunities for grooming, exploitation and abuse. Burke also shared examples of best practices, including policies and safeguards used at WilmU, to protect athletes while fostering a safe and supportive sports culture.

WilmU will continue the conversation with an upcoming webinar on nature therapy in trauma recovery and the intersection of forced marriage and trafficking.