On the occasion of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost took a moment to highlight the initiatives and advancements his office made in the battle against human trafficking over the past year. Yost emphasized the importance of reducing demand, stating, “Awareness is critical in educating the public that human trafficking happens anywhere and everywhere. We’ve been focusing on demand reduction because without a buyer there is no human trafficking,” in a statement obtained by the Ohio Attorney General's office.
The attorney general's office joined forces with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, among others, to mark the observance, also known as Wear Blue Day. Advocates are encouraged to wear blue, snap photos, and post them on social media with the hashtag #WearBlueDay to show support for eradicating human trafficking. This day also serves as a checkpoint for the office to review the prior year's achievements and plan for the future.
Significant milestones reached by the Human Trafficking Initiative (HTI) team in 2024 included the launch of Ohio's first statewide hotline dedicated to reporting suspected human trafficking. The hotline reached 844-END-OHHT, became operational on August 7, and was announced at the annual Human Trafficking Summit, now in its fifth year. This summit is just one of the educational efforts spearheaded by Yost's team to combat this grim phenomenon.
Throughout the state, over 45 training sessions were conducted by the HTI team, tailored to a wide range of audiences. Training materials were developed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, focusing on healthy relationships, personal safety, and preventing exploitation. Comprehensive educational guides were also created to enhance community awareness concerning human trafficking in both adults and youths. Moreover, the team contributed to the successful advocacy for the passage of Senate Bill 214, which, according to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, provides "enhanced opportunities for Ohio survivors of human trafficking with criminal records to rebuild their lives and move forward."
Despite the progress noted by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost's office, the attorney general makes it clear that their work is incomplete. “The fight is far from over,” Yost said. “But we’re making meaningful strides every day.” This sentiment underscores a continued commitment to address and dismantle the mechanisms that allow human trafficking to persist in Ohio.
