Human trafficking is an estimated multi-billion dollar a year international enterprise that forces the most vulnerable among us into the horrors of modern-day slavery. Criminals who are involved in the trafficking of other human beings prey upon those already at risk in our society, often our children. In fact, a preliminary report on the scope of the problem in Ohio cited 13 years old as the most common age in Ohio for youth to become victims of child sex trafficking. From the study’s sample of 207 individuals, 49 percent were under 18 when they were first trafficked. Nationally, over 100,000 children are thought to be involved in the sex trade.
When traffickers are looking for victims, they target easy prey: at-risk children and adults. They lure them in with promises and threats and force them into lives of sex slavery or hard labor. Unfortunately, human trafficking happens everywhere, including Ohio.
While law enforcement and lawmakers are doing what they can to fight human trafficking, all Ohioans can play a role in ending modern-day slavery.
To learn more, the Champaign County Republican Women’s Club will host a special lecture to help us understand the signs as well as information on how to protect yourself and your children. The lecture will be held on October 25 from 6-7 p.m. at the Champaign County Library, 1060 Scioto St.
The Champaign County Republican Women’s Club meets monthly in order to connect with like-minded conservative women. More information about the club is available on Facebook.
