Ohio ranked fifth in human trafficking incidents
Representatives from the Children’s Advocacy Center, Wayne County Juvenile Court, Mental Health and Recovery Board of Wayne and Holmes Counties, OneEighty, Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and Wayne County Board of Commissioners pose together after a proclamation recognizing Human Trafficking Awareness Month was presented.
Human trafficking involves the illegal trade of people for the purposes of forced labor, sexual exploitation and involuntary servitude, among others. It is a global issue that affects millions and disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities in the United States.
According to Gayle Byrne, a victim advocate for OneEighty, the U.S. ranks No. 1 as the country of origin for federally identified victims, and Ohio ranks fifth nationally in incidents of human trafficking.
“Often, traffickers hide in plain sight,” Byrne said, reading a proclamation from the Wayne County Commissioners recognizing Human Trafficking Awareness Month. “They are parents, intimate partners, gangs, employers and friends. Trafficking can happen in person or online. The average age of entry into trafficking is 9-14. Education about warning signs and dispelling myths about how trafficking happens are critically important to the eradication of this crime.”
Once entrapped, victims may endure brutal treatment, psychological manipulation and even threats against their families, making escape difficult. The complexities and hidden nature of human trafficking complicate efforts to eradicate it, emphasizing the need for collective action, education, and an unwavering commitment to protect the dignity and rights of every individual.
To learn more about OneEighty, visit www.one-eighty.org or the Children’s Advocacy Center at www.waynecac.org.
Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for Wayne County.