Supports for Networks of Care #
Being someone’s Network of Care is a labour of love but it can also take its toll. It can be helpful to find community in others who also engage in care work. This can connect people to a supportive environment where they can discuss their challenges and help others with their expertise. People can share resources, strategies, and it can help reduce feelings of isolation in these experiences. Some ways of connecting with other Networks of Care include:
- Finding support groups: There are different groups available, online and in some communities, to support the loved-ones of those affected by trauma or violence.
- Online networks: Forums or groups on social media can be another way to connect with others. The virtual platforms connect different people with shared interests and experiences and can be easily found by doing a search on platforms such as Facebook. Remember to prioritize safety, especially when engaging with strangers on the internet. The following guide provides some considerations to engage safely in social media platforms
- Community organizations: Many organizations offer support and programming to Networks of Care. Use our Service Map to find services available to Networks of Care
- Become a mentor or peer supporter: Offer support and mentor other Networks of Care going through similar experiences. Having the lived experience of being part of someone’s Network of Care can be helpful for others who are navigating this and may be unfamiliar with how to help survivors.
Community Engagement #
Often, as we embark on the journey of supporting survivors, we want to find ways to help other survivors on a larger scale. Below are some actions that Networks of Care can take as accomplices to raise awareness about human trafficking and how to better support survivors.
- Host or participate in community events: Organize or participate in local events like workshops, talks, and informational sessions to educate others about trafficking and supportive strategies to help survivors of human trafficking.
- Use social media: Social media can be used as a tool to raise awareness about human trafficking.
- Collaborate with the local community: engage with other organizations, local businesses to help recognize the signs of human trafficking and provide effective help. This can be done by engaging in community town halls, distributing flyers or having discussions with community members (Actions for Allies — Survivor Alliance, n.d.).
- Collaborate with community organizations: Partnerships between organizations, legal systems, healthcare providers, Networks of Care, and survivors of human trafficking should be created to develop effective care strategies and holistic support to survivors and reduce gaps in services. Networks of care are crucial in determining gaps in services that professional services are currently unable to address. Collaborating with organizations can help develop new programming and help ease some of the burden on these Networks of Care.
- Advocate for better laws: unfortunately, the current laws in Canada are often harmful to survivors of human trafficking, where survivors are often punished and criminalized under the current legal system. Supporters can help to continue to advocate for better laws that effectively protect survivors instead of harming them while also unfairly penalizing sex workers. For more information visit: https://www.canadiancentretoendhumantrafficking.ca/policy-recommendations/
- Advocate for government funding: Advocate for government to fund anti-human trafficking programs, organizations and programs that provide survivor support services and for their Networks of Care, and public awareness campaigns.
- Engage the media: use the media to raise awareness about human trafficking and how to support survivors effectively, talk about gaps in services and call for better policies and investing in more anti-trafficking initiatives (Polaris, n.d.).
- Share knowledge and resources: Sharing useful resources and knowledge can help spread important information to others and create safer communities that are better equipped to support survivors of human trafficking and effectively address this issue.