What is human trafficking?

Ohio has been ranked amongst the top 10 states in the country for hotline calls to the National Hotline number, according to the Polaris Project (Polaris Project Statistics). Additionally, The Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force Summary calculated a total of 2,437 identified survivors since 2021, with 274 alone being from Summit and Cuyahoga Counties (Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force Summary | DataOhio).  From manufacturing factories to unauthorized spas, human trafficking takes place across many varied industries and impacts individuals from all backgrounds. 

Understanding human trafficking and how traffickers abuse survivors can equip you to be on the alert for signs of trafficking as well as protect yourself and others from victimization.  

WHAT IS HUMAN TRAFFICKING?

The Trafficking Victims Protections Act (TVPA) defines “severe forms of trafficking in persons” as: 

• Sex trafficking: in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or  coercion; or 

• Labor trafficking: obtaining of a person for labor through the use of force, fraud,  or coercion 

Human trafficking is the exploitation of human beings through force, fraud or coercion for the purposes of commercial sex or forced labor. Any person under age 18 who performs a commercial sex act is considered a victim of human trafficking, regardless of whether force, fraud, or coercion was present. Victims of human trafficking can be of any race/ethnicity, age or gender. 

COMMON VENUES/INDUSTRIES FOR LABOR TRAFFICKING 

• Domestic Work (e.g., cleaning homes, childcare, elderly care, etc.) 

• Hotel & Restaurant Service (e.g., hospitality services, housekeeping, dishwashing, etc.) 

• Manufacturing (e.g., food processing, making clothing, assembling toys, etc.) 

• Agriculture (e.g., growing food) 

• Health & Beauty Services (e.g., hair braiding, nail salons, etc.) 

• Forced Peddling (e.g., magazine crews) 

• Forced Selling and/or Cultivation of Drugs 

COMMON VENUES/INDUSTRIES FOR SEX TRAFFICKING 

• Spas and Massage Parlors 

• Residential or Commercial Brothels 

• Escort Companies 

• Exotic Dancing/Strip Joints 

• Pornography 

• Truck Stops 

COMMON INDICATORS OR CONDITIONS OF TRAFFICKING

Because human trafficking impacts a wide array of industries, communities, and populations, proof of trafficking may not be immediately obvious. However, victims or their workplaces often display signs that indicate their mistreatment:  

• Injuries or signs of physical, psychological or sexual abuse 

• Physical threats, threats of deportation and/or threats of harm to family members 

• Having to work excessive hours or when sick 

• Little pay, no pay, or working to pay off a debt 

• Isolation, or always monitored by their supervisor/boss 

• Restricted or scripted communication with others 

• Poor living conditions and few possessions 

• No ID documentation 

Traffickers do not discriminate based on gender, class, age or race. Oftentimes, victims are highly skilled and may come to the U.S. on legitimate visas with the promise of lawful work, only for traffickers to deceive and entrap them. They are exploited not only through physical restraint, but also through coercion, fear, or intimidation. In today’s global economy, workers can be exploited by threats of deportation, debt bondage or merely a lack of viable alternatives.  

RESOURCES AND SUPPORT

Numerous organizations support survivors of human trafficking regain their freedom and justice, either on a state and national level. Listed below are several of many organizations that can support you if you or someone you know is trapped in a human trafficking situation. 

Asian Services in Action – offers bilingual and confidential support for survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault, including housing assistance, legal representation, and more.  

Summit County Victim Assistance Program– provides assistance for survivors who have been victimized in Summit County  

National Organization of Asians and Pacific Islanders Ending Sexual Violence (NAPIESV)- provides direct service agencies list, education, and resource library.  

The Harriet Tubman Movement- provides direct services to Human Trafficking survivors.   

Ohio Governor's Human Trafficking Taskforce-  Provides resources and data  

Summit County Collaborative Against Human Trafficking – Advocacy-based coalition focused on eradicating human trafficking and supporting survivors.