May 2021 Update on Ohio's Anti-Human Trafficking Efforts

HT Task Force with space

May 2021 Human Trafficking Update

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


news

A federal jury convicted an Ohio man of traveling in interstate commerce to engage in illicit sexual activity with a minor. 

A West Toledo man charged with federal drug charges now faces accusations of human trafficking. 

A Tuscarawas County man was charged with compelling prostitution, attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, and possessing criminal tools for arranging to pay for sex with a woman and her 14-year-old daughter. 

A formerly incarcerated 23-year-old woman with a lived experience of human trafficking is now looking forward to helping at-risk youth. 

After a joint human trafficking operation conducted primarily in Summit County, 10 individuals were arrested and charged with engaging in prostitution. 


tools & technical assistance

Homeland Security Blue Campaign Bulletin 
The Homeland Security Blue Campaign released its May 2021 bulletin with social media shareable resources and other Blue Campaign updates. 

Funding Opportunities from the U.S. Department of Justice 
The U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime announced new funding opportunities for states, law enforcement agencies, and service providers to address human trafficking. 


meetings & events

No Child for Sale -- A Population at Risk: Understanding the Relationship Between Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking and Foster Care
June 3, 11:30 a.m., virtual
Gracehaven and the Family and Youth Law Center are partnering together to present on the correlation between human trafficking and foster care in the United States. 

Worn, Used, and Consumed: The Consumer's Responsibility to Demand Reduction
June 4, 9 a.m. - 10 a.m., virtual
The Ohio Attorney General's Human Trafficking Initiative is hosting a virtual training on the basics of demand reduction and how Ohioans can get involved. 

Change a Life Cut-A-Thon Summer Festival
June 19, 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. @ Studio 6a Salon, 24945 Detroit Rd., Westlake, OH
Studio 6a and the Renee Jones Empowerment Center are hosting an event to raise awareness of human trafficking. All proceeds will support programming at the Renee Jones Empowerment Center. 

Addressing the Intersection of Substance Use and Housing: Parents and Guardians
July 15, 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., virtual
The Freedom Network Training Institute is hosting a webinar on Addressing the Intersection of Substance Use and Housing: Parents and Guardians. This training will focus on serving survivors who are parents or guardians.