CLEVELAND — Human trafficking has continued to be a serious issue across the globe and even right here in Ohio. Ohio Congresswoman Shontel Brown partnered with the Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking to host a human trafficking summit on Saturday. Brown said it’s an important problem to address.
What You Need To Know
- The Human Trafficking Prevention Summit took place on Saturday, June 17, 2023
- The summit was held in partnership wit the Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking
- Congresswoman Shontel Brown also sponsored the event
- Presentors at the summit shared details about trafficking in Ohio and offered tips on how to spot behavior that may suggest someone is being trafficked
“It’s an issue that has certainly had an impact in our community,” she said.
During the summit, data was shared that human trafficking is the fastest growing crime in the world. Brown shared an example of how it’s happening in Ohio.
“There was a bust in Northeast Ohio where ten people involved with human trafficking were arrested,” she said.
She explained that education is a crucial part of helping to combat this problem.
“What we want to do is make sure that our residents are aware of these crimes that could easily be happening under their nose and we want to also make sure the community has the resources to make sure they don’t become victims of human trafficking,” she said.
Brown expressed that information will help people feel empowered to assist people in potential human trafficking situations.
Some signs of human trafficking include unstable living conditions, mental or physical abuse, and someone being in the company of another person who seems to control the situation.
