Susanne Luehr is never one to shy away from difficult or controversial issues. Through her studies at Trent Oshawa, the Psychology and Sociology major is taking on the topic of human trafficking, one of the most alarming and ever-growing global problems facing society today. And rather than examining the issue in a foreign land, Ms. Luehr’s research is shining a light on the situation right here in southern Ontario.

Under the guidance of Dr. Jason Doherty, associate professor of Sociology at Trent, Ms. Luehr has immersed herself in the subject of human trafficking by researching works from the government, the United Nations and from various academic communities. To learn the true magnitude of the problem, she attended seminars and networked with social workers on the front lines who are assisting victims of human trafficking. Through this first-hand experience she is striving to further understand the obstacles workers face when trying to assist those who have been thrown into the dark world of human trafficking.

A subject fraught with emotion and tragedy

Ms. Luehr’s research has produced some surprising results and may be a wake-up call regarding the evolving issue. “I have learned that most people in the community are not aware of the growing problem and that government agencies are just starting to realize that they are not equipped or educated on how to recognize or help victims,” she says.

She also learned that Canadians are not immune from human trafficking, especially those who live in poverty. “There are individuals in Canada who are so oppressed in our economic system that they have become extremely vulnerable to being trafficked out of Canada in hopes of finding a better life somewhere else,” Ms. Luehr states.

The topic of human trafficking is fraught with emotion and tragedy. “It is a very emotional topic, but one that needs to be researched none the less,” she says, adding: “I have become very grateful for the freedom and life I have had, and the one my children have also had the privilege of experiencing.”

Making a difference

During her academic career at Trent Oshawa, Ms. Luehr has done it all with unquenchable enthusiasm.  She decided to add Sociology to her Psychology major to further understand the world today. Her extra-curricular activities at Trent also reflect her desire to not only understand her environment but to make a real difference within it.

She is president of the Trent Women's Support Group and she has served as a peer mentor and note taker with Disability Services. Ms. Luehr also took on the dual role of actress and director for Trent’s production of the well-known Vagina Monologues, coming to Trent Oshawa in February 2014.  In addition, she has hosted breast cancer fundraisers and rape crisis seminars. Always willing to lend a hand, she took part in Trent activities such as the Vigil for the Montreal Massacre, the “Still I Rise” Black History event and a charitable fashion show. Additionally she is an avid volunteer at the Ontario Shores Psychiatric Hospital in Whitby.

Looking back on her time at Trent Oshawa, Ms. Luehr says: “My learning experience at Trent has been amazing! I have discovered a lot about myself and the world around me. I have made many good friends, and I believe I have had the opportunity to study at the best university possible. The professors and all other staff were always approachable, knowledgeable, and kind.”

Following graduation Ms. Luehr plans to continue her research at graduate school, focussing on human trafficking from the victims’ perspective.  Eventually she hopes to work for an agency that assists those who are victimized or oppressed.

Posted on Monday, January 27, 2014.