Combating Human Trafficking 

 

 

Human Trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery.  It is the exploitation of men, women and children for commerical sex or labor purposes and it is happening in the United States; in Ohio; right here in Columbus.  Modern-day sex and labor slavery is a largely hidden social problem but many victims are in plain sight.  Do you know the red flags signs that someone is being trafficked?

Evidence of being controlled (rarely alone, seems to be under constant surveillance, isolated or cut off from family and friends, fear of speaking for themselves)

Persistent fear, depression, anxiety, or submissive or stupor-like behavior(signs of trauma)

Excessive work hours - not free to take time off

Lives with co-workers and "employers"

Untreated illness and infections

No passport, driver's licence or other identifying documentation

 

Since 2007, The Salvation Army has taken a lead role in addressing and combatting the growing problem of human trafficking in the following ways:

The Salvation Army in Central Ohio is proud to be the Coalition Manager for the Central Ohio Rescue and Restore Coalition.  Click here for the Coalition's calendar of events and volunteer training schedules. We staff a 24-hour hotline for human trafficking  614.285.HELP(4357). We train members of the community to recognize and report trafficking. We work with law enforcement. We conduct Street Outreach to meet victims of sex trafficking where they are. We give direct services: case management, individual/group counseling support.

For more information or if you suspect someone is a trafficking victim, call the hot-line or click here or contact Trish Smouse by emailing Trisha.Smouse@use.SalvationArmy.org or calling 614.358.2614.

To see how you can help click here.  To see our list of volunteer opportunities and to sign-up for various activities, please visit http://salvationarmycolumbus.volunteerhub.com.