1. Ohio State Highway Patrol Human Trafficking Awareness

2. What is Human Trafficking? Human Trafficking is modern day slavery. Victims are subjected to force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, commercial sex acts, debt bondage or slavery.

3. Does this occur in Ohio? Unfortunately, YES! The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has identified that Toledo, Ohio is a major recruitment site for human trafficking. Toledo ranks 4 th in the nation in Human Trafficking related arrests. It is estimated by the F.B.I. that 1,078 Ohio children are victims of human trafficking every year

4. Why Ohio? There are several characteristics that make Ohio vulnerable to human trafficking: – Several large urban areas (Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati & Toledo) – A large transient / immigrant population – Numerous major highways – Close proximity to Canadian Border – Large population base

5. What are the Facts… The following are some current facts and statistics related to human trafficking in the U.S. – A majority of victims are runaways – Most victims are under age 18 – Many victims come from abusive or substance abusing families – Some may be illegal aliens but, 84% of trafficking victims are U.S. Citizens

6. T.A.T. (Truckers Against Trafficking) Beginning July 2016 – Trucking schools in Ohio will be required to provide one hour of human trafficking awareness training for students seeking to obtain a CDL for the first time. – Ohio is believed to be the first state in the nation to require this training. – Truckers will be taught to recognize the signs and human trafficking as truck stops are one of the leading areas where females are trafficked for sex.

7. INDICATORS of Sex Trafficking Young women walking around truck parking lots or getting into trucks at rest areas or truck stops Presence of an overly controlling and abusive boyfriend Injuries/signs of physical abuse Signs of malnourishment Demeanor – fear, anxiety, submissive

8. Human Trafficking Success Stories – May 2010 in Oklahoma City Truck driver called police to report a man offering girls for prostitution in a truck stop Suspect stopped a short time later with six children in his vehicle ages 9 to 17

9. Human Trafficking Success Stories- Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force – Arrested subject on 17 counts of Human Trafficking in Columbus Ohio. Sept, 2012 Took advantage of at least a dozen female victims’ drug addictions to make them comply. Prostituted women out to upscale hotels in greater Columbus area

10. Assessing the Indicators In summary, there is no one single clue that will indicate whether or not a person is a victim of Human Trafficking. Remember: – Does the situation look right? – Don’t make assumptions – Use common sense – Avoid stereotypes Be observant, ask questions and assess the situation based on the facts.

11. Ohio State Highway Patrol Human Trafficking Awareness To Report Criminal Activity or Impaired Drivers Call #677 www.statepatrol.ohio.gov