This event is virtual
Human Sex Trafficking is the sale of humans for sex and it is growing in Waterloo region. Sex Trafficking is organized and lucrative. Girls as young as 12 are lured and trapped into sex trafficking through promises of romance and adventure. Last year in Waterloo Region Police investigated 95 cases of human sex trafficking. We know that most cases are never reported to the police. Awareness is the first step towards action.
Chelsea’s Story is based on a true story. It centres on a group of three students who discover the diary of a 15-year-old girl named Chelsea, who is targeted and groomed by a man posing as her boyfriend to be trafficked for sex. Chelsea’s Story was written by Sean McGrath from Alter Ego Creative Solutions in the UK for people as young as 12 to understand what trafficking is about and the ways in which those who are vulnerable, particularly girls and young women tend to be targeted and groomed.
Who Should Come?
The Feb 27 showing invites families including children age 12+ to take part in the conversation around Anti-Human Sex Trafficking and exploitation in Waterloo Region.
Feb 23: Reading for educators and school board.
Feb 25: Reading for parents and general public.
As a whole, the production is of particular interest to three different groups:
– Young people (aged12+)
– Parents, carers, teachers & professionals working with children & young people
– Law enforcement and people in the hospitality industry
Warning: Although this play is written for people as young as 12, there are some scenes that are disturbing. We recommend that children be accompanied by a caring adult as it may trigger some viewers.
*Please contact us if you are interested in bringing the play Chelsea’s Story to your school.
The play has been seen by over 10, 000 young people & thousands of professionals in the UK, and over 1000 here in Waterloo Region and has proven highly effective at covering:
– What makes a Healthy Relationship
– What makes an Unhealthy Relationship
– Safe Internet Use/Sexting
– Recognizing exploitation and understanding grooming
– Avoiding Victim Blaming
– Where to go for help & advice
For adult audiences it also:-
– Raises awareness of the warning signs of exploitation
– Raises awareness of the journey that young people may have been on that has resulted in them being exploited – a journey that can all too easily make it seem as though they have ‘made their own choices’ and can leave them not seeing themselves as victims and fighting against any intervention.
This play is written as a tool to understand and recognize exploitation, what to do if they see it and how to keep themselves and their friends safe. We had the opportunity to show it to 450 grade 7 and 8 students last year and they were really engaged both with the play and in the after performance talk back. Feedback for the teachers and parents at other shows was also very positive.
#knowthesigns | #EndHumanTrafficking | #Chelseas StoryWR
This is a free event, but we will be collecting donations to put towards the SASC Anti-Human Trafficking Program.
The Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region (SASC) offers a specialized Anti-Human Trafficking Program. Using a trauma-informed, harm reduction, and feminist approach, this program provides wrap-around services to those experiencing sexual exploitation and those who are at risk within Waterloo Region. Services are free, confidential, and non-judgmental. This program is accessible to all genders ages 12 and up, and is available regardless of immigration status.
Between July-September of 2020, SASC’s Anti-Human Trafficking Program experienced a 27 per cent increase in requests for support. To help SASC wrap survivors in community care, please consider making a donation.