“We have heard a ‘tough on crime’ approach, but the reality is ‘tough on survivors’. Survivors of human trafficking continue to be criminalized for the human rights abuses they suffered – and blamed by the systems meant to protect them.
Aura Freedom continues to work alongside government and community partners to strengthen Ontario’s response to gender-based violence and human trafficking through survivor-informed advocacy and cross-sector collaboration. This year, we convened a community roundtable discussion with the Ministry of the Attorney General and participated in a second roundtable at the Ministry’s invitation. Together, these discussions brought government representatives, frontline organizations, and justice sector leaders together to examine challenges within Ontario’s legal system and identify opportunities to strengthen survivor-centred supports and improve access to justice for survivors.
Advancing Justice for Survivors of Human Trafficking
In February, Aura Freedom co-convened a roundtable with the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic focused on justice related issues affecting survivors of human trafficking. The discussion brought together Associate Attorney General Michael Tibollo, frontline organizations, and sector partners to exchange perspectives on current government initiatives, hear directly from those working most closely with survivors, and explore collaborative approaches to strengthening Ontario’s response to human trafficking.
Roundtable participants included the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking, Victim Services Toronto, Women’s Support Network of York Region, Anti-Human Sex Trafficking Program at the Region of Peel, FCJ Refugee Centre, and Ontario’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Team and Human Trafficking Legal Support Program shared frontline expertise and survivor-informed perspectives.
Discussions highlighted barriers to accessing justice, gaps within existing legal processes, and opportunities to strengthen survivor-centred responses. Participants emphasized the need for sustained government action and ongoing collaboration with community organizations to ensure legal and policy reforms are informed by survivor experiences and frontline expertise.
Strengthening Responses to Intimate Partner Violence
In May, Aura Freedom’s Executive Director, Marissa Kokkoros, participated in the Ministry of the Attorney General’s Understanding Victims of Intimate Partner Violence roundtable. The discussion brought together key stakeholders, community partners, and experts to engage in an open dialogue on the barriers facing survivors of intimate partner violence and the importance of keeping survivors safe as they engage with the Ontario justice system. Aura Freedom was invited to share our expertise alongside fellow sector leaders, contributing survivor informed perspectives and helping strengthen dialogue between community organizations and government partners.
The roundtable provided an opportunity to deepen understanding of the unique challenges faced by victims of intimate partner violence, while creating space for meaningful dialogue and collaboration across sectors.
Engagements like these reflect the importance of sustained collaboration between government and community organizations in advancing survivor-centred responses to gender-based violence and human trafficking. We are grateful to the Ministry of the Attorney General, and all participating organizations for creating meaningful opportunities to advance dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and support lasting systems change.
