TOLEDO, Ohio —
January is national slavery and human trafficking prevention month, and Ohio has the fourth-highest number of human trafficking cases reported in the country, with 97% of those involving sex trafficking.
The seminar, hosted by the Mercy Health — Toledo Trauma Recovery Center at the St. Vincent campus, focused on how to identify signs and factors that may contribute to a person's risk of being trafficked. Speakers included law enforcement and a member of Regional Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking.
Human trafficking doesn't always involve sex, though. It can be for labor, too.
Victims of trafficking can also be anyone, but certain groups of people are more vulnerable. Minorities, members of the LGBTQ+ community and runaways are all more likely to become victims.
Indicators of human trafficking may include someone who is not in control of their communication or personal documents, living with their employer, or being malnourished. More indicators can be found on the Department of Homeland Security's website.
Signs of human trafficking may go undetected, said OraLee Macklenar, manager of the Trauma Recovery Center. Being aware is one way people can help.
"It ends when we're all aware and make a difference," said Chuck Campbell, a member of REACH.
Legislation is another way to make strides toward ending human trafficking. State rep. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania), has recently introduced two pieces of legislation regarding trafficking.
The Human Trafficking Prevention Act aims to increase criminal penalties for trafficking. If the victim is an adult, the minimum penalty would increase to 15 years. If the victim is a minor, the sentence would be increased to a minimum of 25 years.
Another bill would expunge non-violent crimes for human trafficking victims, which Campbell said is a necessity.
"The victim is not a criminal," Campbell said. "They shouldn't be treated as such. Plus the fact it opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for rehabilitation if they are not in the criminal justice system."
If you know someone or suspect someone is being trafficked, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.