February 2022 Update on Ohio's Anti-Human Trafficking Efforts

HT Task Force with space

February 2022 Human Trafficking Update

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


news

The Delaware County Juvenile Court is seeking to hire a full-time Human Trafficking Safe Harbor Program Coordinator

Eight people were arrested in an anti-human trafficking operation during the NBA All-Star Weekend in Cleveland. 

A Lowellville man is facing child sex trafficking charges in federal court. 

A Ravenna man was sentenced to 14 years in prison for sex trafficking of a minor. 

A southwest Ohio health care staffing company is being sued for potential labor trafficking practices. 

The Columbus Police Department is investigating a possible human trafficking operation after serving a drug warrant in Whitehall. 

A Bluffton man was sentenced to more than 42 years in prison after he was convicted on multiple human trafficking charges involving a minor. 

The U.S. Department of Justice announced its new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking.

Four people were arrested in a sting operation conducted by Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers, Ohio Investigative Unit agents, Brook Park police officers, and the Cuyahoga Regional Human Trafficking Task Force.


tools & technical assistance

Love and Human Trafficking: Grooming, Exploitation, and Control
Polaris released a new blog post on "Love and Trafficking: Grooming, Exploitation, and Control." 

Centering the Voices of Youth in Anti-Trafficking Efforts 
The Office for Victims of Crime released a blog post on the importance of Centering the Voices of Youth in Anti-Trafficking Efforts. 

Child Victims and Witnesses Support Materials
The Office for Victims of Crime released Child Victims and Witnesses Support Materials for child and youth victims of human trafficking.

5 Ways to Protect Your Children from Human Trafficking
RAHAB Ministries released 5 Ways to Protect Your Children from Human Trafficking


meetings & events

13th Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Summit 
March 4, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., virtual
Senator Teresa Fedor is hosting the 13th Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Summit

The Essentials of Victim Advocacy
March 14-18, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., virtual 
The Summit Victims Assistance Academy is hosting the Essentials of Victim Advocacy training to assist individuals in becoming a comprehensive National Credentialed Advocate. 

Combating Human Trafficking in Aviation
March 23, 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., virtual 
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Blue Lightning Initiative is hosting a virtual panel discussion on Combating Human Trafficking in Aviation

Fundamentals of Human Trafficking 
March 24, 7 p.m. - 8:15 p.m., virtual 
The Collaborative to End Human Trafficking is hosting a Fundamentals of Human Trafficking training.