Central Ohio Today

Human trafficking remains a pressing issue in Ohio, prompting legislative efforts to raise awareness and combat the crime. State Representative Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville) has been active in promoting measures aimed at ending human trafficking, including the establishment of Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

The observance, which takes place each January, was enacted following legislation passed by the 135th General Assembly. This year marks the second annual recognition of the day. According to data from the Polaris Project in 2022, Ohio ranks tenth nationally for reported human trafficking cases. The majority of these cases involve victims being trafficked by acquaintances rather than strangers.

"I don’t want Ohio being known as one of the most likely states to be trafficked in," said Richardson. "The State must take a serious look at who is being trafficked and how they are trafficked. Being aware and looking into the data are steps toward improving our public safety and ridding Ohio of human trafficking."

Richardson's legislative efforts extend beyond raising awareness. She has worked on initiatives to help victims through expungement of non-violent crimes and supports Attorney General Dave Yost’s Human Trafficking Initiative. This task force aims to eliminate labor and sex trafficking across Ohio. Additionally, she advocated for a 24/7 human trafficking hotline (844-END-OHHT), operated by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), which connects intelligence with local law enforcement agencies.

Richardson's motivation stems from a desire to prevent future victimization and assist those currently affected by trafficking. "Human Trafficking Awareness Day is a bill, now law, that I initiated because I saw the need to help inform Ohioans about the crime against humanity known as Human Trafficking," she stated. "With awareness comes the hope of stopping this scourge and creating the promise of new beginnings for those victims trapped in the despair of trafficking."

This year's Human Trafficking Awareness Day falls on Saturday, January 11. Richardson encourages residents to become informed about this issue and report any suspicious activity via the BCI hotline (844-363-6448).