May 2018 Update on Ohio's Anti-Human Trafficking Efforts

HT Task Force with space

May 2018 Human Trafficking Update

A brief overview of current news and updates on Ohio's anti-trafficking movement


news

On May 14, a Toledo pastor pleaded guilty to sex trafficking of minors and is likely to spend 17 1/2 years in prison. Two other pastors have been indicted for their roles in the sex trafficking conspiracy and are awaiting trial.   

The Ohio Attorney General and Ohio Hospital Association President and CEO sent a letter to hospitals in the state to call attention to the role of health care professionals in identifying and assisting survivors of human trafficking.

On April 27, the City of Columbus used the state's nuisance abatement code to shut down a central Ohio massage parlor that investigators said was a front for commercial sex. Representatives from The Salvation Army and Asian American Community Services were onsite following the closing to assist potential victims.

A Youngstown man is facing two counts of trafficking in persons and compelling prostitution for allegedly holding a 15-year-old girl against her will for the purpose of sex for hire.

On April 22, PBS' Frontline television documentary series aired "Trafficked in America," which revisited the investigation in which adults and minors were smuggled from Guatemala and forced to work on egg farms in central Ohio.

Eight men were arrested in northeast Ohio as part of an undercover operation aimed at reducing demand for commercial sex.


tools & technical assistance

National Hotline Cases Occurring in Hotels and Motels
The National Human Trafficking Hotline released hotline statistics based on calls and cases received from 2012-2016 involving hotels and motels.  

Effective Management Series: Financial Management
The National Victim Assistance Academy's Advanced Skills Institute is hosting an Effective Management Series to equip victim service organizations with financial management skills. The training will be delivered online over the course of five weeks, beginning on May 29.

Human Trafficking Intersections with Transportation
The National Human Trafficking Hotline released a report on the calls and cases reported to the hotline that intersect with commercial driving services, buses and airlines.

Provision of Victim-Centered and Trauma-Informed Services
The Office for Victims of Crime released a webinar on person-centered approaches in supporting victim-centered and trauma-informed practice and policy.


meetings & events

Commercial Sex Trafficking of Minors in the United States
May 25, 9 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. @ Foundations for Living Training Center, 1451 Lucas Rd. Mansfield, OH
Foundations for Living is providing an introductory course on domestic minor sex trafficking. Free CEUs are available. To learn more or RSVP, email matthew.mott@uhsinc.com.

Multi-Disciplinary Response for Child Survivors of Human Trafficking Webinar Series
The Ohio Network of Children's Advocacy Centers is hosting a webinar series on leading strategies and innovative approaches to serving minor victims of trafficking. Email sboughton@oncac.org with questions.

Tuesday, May 29, 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. 
"What we've learned about juvenile sex trafficking from kids in our court"

Monday, June 4, 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Medical Response to Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking

Monday, June 18, 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Foreign and Unaccompanied Minors

Over the Edge to End Child Sex Trafficking
June 14-15 @ Chase Tower, 100 E Broad St. Columbus, OH
Gracehaven is hosting a fundraiser in which the first 115 people to raise a minimum of $1,250 will earn a spot to rappel 330 feet down the Chase Tower in downtown Columbus.

Trauma Training: Boundaries and Community
August 3 @ Mount Carmel West Medical Staff Building, 793 W State St. Columbus, OH
Mount Carmel's Crime & Trauma Assistance Program is hosting a 2018 Trauma Training Series. Learn more about the upcoming trainings here.