August 2021 Human Trafficking Update

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

news

A Washington County man arrested in July for transporting a teenager across state lines for sexual intercourse was indicted by a grand jury. 

Federal law enforcement officials are investigating whether unaccompanied migrant teenagers have been released from government custody to labor traffickers in numerous cities. 

In northern Ohio, the U.S. Marshals Service formed a unit that has found nearly 100 missing and exploited children across the region in the past year. 

The Columbus Police Department is pushing for stronger penalties for soliciting to address the demand side of human trafficking. 

The Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force arrested 34 people accused of attempting to meet children online for sex.

tools & technical assistance

2021 Trafficking in Persons Report 
The U.S. Department of State's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons released the 2021 Trafficking in Persons Report. 

Emergency Housing Vouchers and Immigration Status Requirements 
Freedom Network USA posted a recording of its Emergency Housing Vouchers and Immigration Status Requirements webinar, which outlines eligibility requirements for immigrant survivors of human trafficking, sexual assault, and domestic violence. 

meetings & events

Human Trafficking Identification and Awareness Training
September 14, 9 a.m. - 10 a.m., virtual 
The Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, in partnership with the Ohio Children's Trust Fund, will host a virtual training on human trafficking and how to respond to suspected trafficking situations. 

Emerging Issues Webinar: Economic Mobility and Financial Literacy
September 22, 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., virtual 
The National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center will host a webinar on emerging trends and case studies addressing economic mobility.  

Traffic Talk: Disrupting Illicit Massage Businesses
September 22, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., virtual 
Abolition Ohio will host a Traffic Talk presentation and open dialogue on Disrupting Illicit Massage Businesses. 

International Human Trafficking & Social Justice Conference
September 22-24, virtual 
The University of Toledo will host the 18th Annual International Human Trafficking & Social Justice Conference virtually. Register here. 

Call for Presenters for the 15th Annual Greater Cincinnati Anti-Human Trafficking Conference  
February 4, 2022
End Slavery Cincinnati released the Call for Presenters for the 15th Annual Greater Cincinnati Anti-Human Trafficking Conference.