August 2019 Update on Ohio's Anti-Human Trafficking Efforts

HT Task Force with space

August 2019 Human Trafficking Update

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


news

Polaris released 2018 data from the National Human Trafficking Hotline, including the number of identified survivors, traffickers, suspicious businesses, and human trafficking cases.

Delta has announced that it is providing $1.5 million to Polaris in continued support of the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

In 2015, Amber Runyon launched Eleventh Candle Company to provide employment to trafficked women. As of 2018, the company has generated $1 million in annual sales, and has sold over 250,000 candles.   

State, local, and federal law enforcement officers raided 13 massage parlors throughout northeast Ohio in connection with a human trafficking investigation.

New Philadelphia officials received an update on human trafficking in eastern Ohio from representatives of the local human trafficking coalition, Tusc Against Trafficking.

The Medina County Children's Advocacy Center opened a new facility to provide safety and services for child victims of abuse and neglect.  

In June 2019, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the arrest of almost 1,700 suspected online child sex offenders during a two-month, nationwide operation conducted by Internet Crimes Against Children task forces.


tools & technical assistance

Intersection of Homelessness and Human Trafficking Webinar
The National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center is hosting a webinar to highlight the correlation between homelessness and human trafficking.

Fellowships & Career Development for Survivors of Crime Webinar
The Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center is hosting a webinar for crime survivors on identifying and navigating fellowships and professional development opportunities.

What is Human Trafficking? Infographic
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Blue Campaign developed an infographic to illustrate what human trafficking looks like in the United States.


meetings & events

Bike to Brew
September 14, 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. @ 4KD Crick Brewery, 2111 Carpenter Rd. Defiance, OH
The Six County Chapter of the Northwest Ohio Rescue and Restore Coalition is hosting a fundraiser to support survivors of human trafficking.

The University of Toledo's International Human Trafficking & Social Justice Conference
September 19-20 @ The University of Toledo, 3154 N. Towerview Blvd. Toledo, OH
The University of Toledo's Human Trafficking & Social Justice Institute is hosting its annual conference to learn, connect, and collaborate to combat human trafficking.

CLE Unites to End Human Trafficking
September 26 @ Windows on the River, 2000 Sycamore St. Cleveland, OH
The Collaborative to End Human Trafficking is hosting its annual luncheon, featuring Kendis Paris, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Truckers Against Trafficking.