OneEighty remains dedicated to serving trafficking survivors
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and OneEighty's dedication to serving survivors of sexual assault and abuse includes survivors of human trafficking.
The work of the nonprofit, which in 2024 celebrated 50 years of supporting substance use and mental health recovery, as well as providing support services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Wayne and Holmes counties, centers around meeting survivors where they are and addressing their immediate and long-term needs. It also includes advocacy and raising awareness in and around local communities.
Gayle Byrne is a response specialist and victim advocate with OneEighty.
“Human trafficking is a horrific crime that tears at the fabric of our society,” Byrne said. “It’s not a distant issue confined to other countries; it’s happening in our own communities. Millions of people are currently forced to endure unimaginable exploitation.
“According to the Polaris Project, a leading nonprofit organization fighting human trafficking, an estimated 28 million individuals are currently being trafficked worldwide. These victims are subjected to forced labor, sexual exploitation or both, with devastating consequences for their physical and mental well-being.”
Survivors of human trafficking often face unique challenges that distinguish them from other populations, creating the need for specialized support.
Last fall OneEighty was awarded a grant from the Wayne County Community Foundation to increase support for survivors of human trafficking. It also received a grant from the Ohio Domestic Violence Network. The foundation grant enables OneEighty to provide comprehensive care including safe housing, mental health support, substance abuse recovery, legal assistance and basic needs assistance.
The Ohio Domestic Violence Network grant has enabled OneEighty to improve assessment, tracking and follow-up education processes.
“Last year alone these advancements helped identify around 20 human trafficking victims, making up over 10% of our client base,” said Christy VanSickle, OneEighty community relations and marketing manager. “Despite this growing need, victim services funding specific to human trafficking remains limited.”
There are many survivors of human trafficking connected with OneEighty. “Sometimes people are literally knocking on our door,” Byrne said, “making phone calls or being referred by the hotline or forensic exams at the hospital.”
OneEighty also collaborates with law enforcement and shelters.
Byrne said traffickers exploit vulnerabilities such as poverty, foster care placement or a history of abuse. They identify young people lacking a support system and pose as friend or benefactor before coercing the victim into exploitation.
“Many people confuse prostitution with trafficking, assuming it’s a victimless crime,” Byrne said. “But with trafficking there’s a third party — someone reaping the benefits while victims are coerced or manipulated into compliance.”
Advocacy is key in identifying victims. Byrne said it is important to equip teachers, parents and community members with information regarding warning signs such as changes in appearance or behavior, prolonged or frequent absences from school, and unexplained access to money or gifts.
“Educating the community is vital,” Byrne said. “By understanding vulnerabilities and recognizing red flags, we can intervene early and prevent further exploitation.”
Through raising awareness and providing comprehensive support, OneEighty provides hope for survivors. Through the services they provide and with the support of donations and volunteers, OneEighty works to create a community where every individual feels safe, valued and supported.
To donate to OneEighty, visit www.one-eighty.org/get-involved/make-a-financial-donation/.
The 24-hour hotlines are 1-800-686-1122 for domestic violence/sexual assault, 330-466-0678 for substance-use crisis and 330-464-1423 for peer support.