January 2024
To help police, firefighters, and other first responders recognize signs of human trafficking right in front of them, IDEX Fire & Safety has partnered with iEmpathize – a non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating human trafficking – to provide training programs.
The Apathy Effect Exhibit offered attendees in the United States the opportunity to learn about the reality of Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking throughout the world and specifically in their communities. Attendees walked through international stories of resilient survivors through self-guided and interactive tours. They were encouraged to identify the signs of trafficking and find solutions throughout the multimedia journey told in original film, photography, and genuine artifacts.
In addition to the exhibit, employees also participated in Trafficking Prevention Training led by an experienced Firefighter. First responders are uniquely positioned to identify trafficking situations and are often the first to encounter a potential victim or crime. They walked through a survivors’ journey, common red flags, and how to advocate for victims.
Worldwide, an estimated 27.6 million people are victims of human trafficking – also called “modern slavery” – at any time, according to the U.S. State Department. In the United States, victims are forced to work in a range of roles, including commercial sex work, agriculture, janitorial services, landscaping, and other industries.
Over four months this year, over 250 people attended an Apathy Effect Exhibit on Child Exploitation and Human Exploitation, made possible in part by IDEX Fire & Safety and a grant from the IDEX Foundation.
“The partnership with iEmpathize allows IDEX Fire & Safety to broaden our commitment to saving lives. We are so proud of our employees’ commitment to educating themselves and being an advocate for victims in their communities,” said Michelle Disher, Director of Fire & Safety North America HR Optimization.
You can get a peek into the Apathy Effect Exhibit and Human Trafficking Prevention Training here: https://iempathize.org/apathy-effect/