Golden Hearts Campaign

April 15, 2026
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Need Support Now? 

If you’re looking for support related to human trafficking, help is available. 

Immediate and Confidential Support 

  • Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline - 24/7 confidential support, information, and referrals across Canada. 
    • 1-833-900-1010 
  • Sexual Assault Support Centre (Kitchener-Waterloo) – 24-hour Support Line 
    • 519-741-8633 
  • For Emergencies : Special Constable Service 
    • Waterloo: 519-885-3333 
    • Brantford: 519-770-3778 
  • For off campus emergencies, dial 911 

On-campus Support 

Golden Hearts Campaign

This Content May Feel Distressing 

Some content within this campaign may feel activating or difficult. Support is available through the office of Sexual Violence Response @svinfo@wlu.ca. 

Human Trafficking Awareness and Response Initiative 

Golden Hearts Campaign (GHC) is a campus-wide initiative designed to support an approach to recognizing and responding to individuals impacted by human trafficking and gender-based violence. The GHC, led by the Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management is a collaboration with and supported through funding from the Department of Justice Canada. 

About the Campaign 

The Golden Hearts Campaign is launched through a series of 10 unique posters displayed in washrooms across campus. The campaign increases awareness of the ways human trafficking can present in real-life contexts, particularly in student populations, and challenges common myths and misconceptions about human trafficking.  

This work aligns with institutional commitments under the Gendered and Sexual Violence Policy (12.4), which supports prevention, education, and awareness-building as part of a coordinated response to gender-based and sexual violence. Research suggests human trafficking disproportionately affects younger populations, particularly individuals under the age of 25, reinforcing the importance of awareness and supportive response initiatives. In the next phase of the GHC, training specific to human trafficking response will be available for those interested in taking a more active role in responding to disclosures. 

The Golden Hearts Campaign aims to strengthen a community of care across Laurier by: 

  • Increasing shared understanding of how human trafficking and exploitation can occur in real-world contexts  
  • Providing specialized training to students, staff, and faculty to help them respond to disclosures  
  • Helping individuals impacted by human trafficking and other forms of gender-based and sexual violence access trauma-informed, confidential, and non-judgmental supports 

Golden Hearts Certification Training 

The GHC certificate training will provide practical, skill-based learning related to responding to disclosures of human trafficking and other forms of gender-based and sexual violence, alongside foundational knowledge about risk factors, myths and misconceptions, trauma-informed response practices, and referral pathways. 

Participants will receive a ‘Golden Heart’ sticker (featured in the graphic in the top left-hand corner of this webpage) to display in their workspace or on personal items such as a laptop. The sticker will identify individuals who are prepared to offer an informed response to human trafficking disclosures and help connect people to appropriate resources. 

Please see below for upcoming training opportunities in July, October, and February, including registration information. 

What is Ask for Linda? 

Individuals seeking support can discreetly ask for “Linda” when speaking with a trained staff or faculty member displaying the Golden Heart sticker. The code name “Linda” is a discreet way to request support in the moment without needing to explain their situation publicly or immediately. 

Distinguishing Human Trafficking and Sex Work 

An important component of this initiative is supporting clear and informed understanding of the distinction between human trafficking and consensual sex work. 

Human trafficking involves force, fraud, or coercion. Consensual sex work, where individuals are acting autonomously and without coercion, is distinct from trafficking.  

The Golden Hearts Campaign does not conflate sex work with human trafficking, and training materials reflect this distinction. 

Training Opportunities 

Below are the first offerings of the Golden Hearts Certification training: 

Session 1 

Date: Thursday, July 23, 2026 
Time: 1:30 – 3 p.m. 

Register here 

Session 2 

Date: Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 
Time: 1:30 – 3 p.m. 

Register here

Session 3 

Date: Thursday, Feb. 4, 2027 
Time: 1:30 – 3 p.m. 

Register here

About the Training 

Each session includes foundational learning on: 

  • Trauma-informed approaches to receiving disclosures  
  • Supportive and non-judgmental response practices  
  • Consent, confidentiality, and appropriate boundaries  
  • Human trafficking myths, realities, and intersections with intimate partner violence 
  • Campus and community referral pathways   

Community members who complete the training will be eligible to receive the Golden Heart sticker to display and a certificate of completion. 

Support & Referrals 

If you are concerned that you or someone in our community may be experiencing human trafficking or another form of gender-based or sexual violence, support is available. You do not need to have to disclose all details or receive consultation. 

The Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management’s Gendered and Sexual Violence Response Team is here to help. 

With the consent of the individual involved, referrals can be made to the Response Team by emailing: svinfo@wlu.ca 

Direct support and connection to services 

Individuals seeking support can also reach out directly to svinfo@wlu.ca to access information, support, and connections to campus and community resources. 

Support is available whether concerns are direct, indirect, or not fully defined. You do not need to navigate these situations alone. 

Questions or Collaboration 

We welcome collaboration with campus partners, student groups, and community organizations interested in prevention, awareness, and education on supportive response practices. Our office provides a range of customizable trainings, classroom presentations, and programming initiatives related to gender-based and sexual violence. 

For inquiries related to the Golden Hearts Campaign, training opportunities, or campaign materials, please contact svinfo@wlu.ca.