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New Certificate in Human Trafficking Awareness Is the First of Its Kind
WilmU to debut new certificate in the fall following 4th annual Human Trafficking Symposium in June
Coming fall of the 2019-20 school year, Wilmington University will offer an 18-credit certificate in Human Trafficking Awareness. The certificate will be the only one of its kind in the country.
Human trafficking is the denial of basic human freedoms and rights to any individual through force, fraud, or coercion. Since Delaware passed legislation to strengthen the penalties for human trafficking in 2014, several cases have been reported and arrests made.
Over the last few years, WilmU has established itself as the leading resource for educating Delaware professionals about this growing problem. Several undergraduate courses in human trafficking have been offered since 2015. According to Dr. Johanna Bishop, Director of Behavioral Sciences Programs at Wilmington University, "Over 300 students have completed these classes at WilmU and are now going out into the community, into social service industries, having developed knowledge in the recognition and response to suspected cases of human trafficking."
“This certificate program legitimizes the academic study of trafficking as a human problem demanding the attention of experts in criminal, social, and psychological services fields,” Dr. Bishop emphasized.
The certificate can be completed as a stand-alone credential, or as a Dual-Credit Certificate® that also earns students credit toward a WilmU bachelor’s degree.
Dr. Bishop hopes the certificate will raise awareness of the problem in our communities. "Developing greater awareness of the human trafficking problem will enable all those working on the front line, dealing with humans in crisis, to know how to respond, and investigate, suspected human trafficking cases."
In 2017, 8,759 cases of human trafficking were reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, a 13% increase over 2016. "Creating awareness of human trafficking is essential to eliminating trafficking all together," said Dr. Bishop.
The Annual Human Trafficking Symposium will be held at Wilmington University on June 12 and 13, 2019. Professionals attending one or both days may be eligible for continuing education credits for health, school, social, and legal professionals. For more information, contact Dr. Bishop at johanna.p.bishop@wilmu.edu.
About Wilmington University
Wilmington University is one of the most affordable, fastest growing private, nonprofit universities in the region, offering undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in online and traditional formats. An accredited and respected leader specializing in exemplary student service, Wilmington University offers convenient and flexible options designed to prepare students for success in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Now celebrating its 50th year, the University has never wavered in its mission to offer opportunities to all who wish to transform their lives through quality education. For more information, visit wilmu.edu.
