Ethical Peer Support Pathways: Survivor-Led Capacity Building

We are delighted to announce the launch of a survivor-led, capacity-building initiative to strengthen and stabilize peer support within Ontario’s anti-human trafficking service system. Building on our evidence-based Ethical Peer Support Program, this project addresses critical gaps identified through national research, including organizational readiness, role clarity, workforce sustainability, and the well-being of staff with lived experience.

Both anti-human trafficking organizations and peer supporters will benefit from this initiative. Organizations will receive trauma-informed training and practical tools to understand the scope of peer support roles, create safe and ethical workplaces, improve service quality and continuity of care for survivors, and effectively support staff with lived experience. Peer supporters will receive specialized training, mentorship, and employment-readiness supports to prepare them for peer mentorship roles as employees or independent contractors, recognizing diverse organizational capacities and service delivery models across Ontario while maintaining ethical standards and worker protections.

The project also integrates specialized wellness supports and trauma-informed guidance to promote peer supporter wellbeing and prevent burnout and re-traumatization. Together, these components strengthen the continuum of peer services, advance survivor leadership, and contribute to safer, more sustainable pathways for healing, employment, and reintegration—reducing system strain and strengthening Ontario’s anti-human trafficking response.

Want to be contacted when we open registration? Fill out this short form and we will send you an email with all you need to apply once registration opens.

Strengthening Peer Support

Our thanks to The Government of Ontario, Women’s Economic Leadership and Legacy (WELL) Fund for supporting this project.