Human Trafficking Commission

Human trafficking is an estimated multi-billion a year international enterprise that forces the most vulnerable among us into the horrors of modern-day slavery. Criminals who are involved in trafficking 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.

To combat this problem and end this horrendous abuse, Attorney General Mike DeWine reconvened the Human Trafficking Commission in August of 2011.  This built upon the former work of the Trafficking in Persons Study Commission created under previous Attorney General Richard Cordray.  Which released a report and recommendations for how to combat this crime.  The Commission includes elected and appointed officials, members of local, state, and federal law enforcement, public and private social agencies, religious groups, and schools who meet regularly to understand the extent of the problem in Ohio, find ways to help victims, and discover how to investigate and prosecute traffickers.  

The Attorney General's Office cannot fight this problem alone.  In order to prosecute those who are preying upon our vulnerable populations, we urge Ohioans to report any information they might have about human trafficking to BCI by calling 1-855-BCI-OHIO (224-6446).  This will allow our agents to work with local law enforcement to arrest and prosecute traffickers.  

If you are interested in the Human Trafficking Commission or would like further information, please contact Melinda Sykes, Director of Children's Initiatives, at melinda.sykes@ohioattorneygeneral.gov or 614-995-0328.