Headlines 9 January 2014

Senator Uecker announces statewide effort to combat human trafficking

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State Senator Joe Uecker (R–Miami Township) announced a statewide effort to combat human trafficking in Ohio.

Serving as State Representative in 2012, Senator Uecker cosponsored Amended Substitute House Bill 262, which strengthened state efforts to catch offenders of human trafficking. This legislation toughened penalties, and created the Victims of Human Trafficking Fund to offer aid to trafficking victims.

“These horrible crimes often go unnoticed simply due to lack of awareness,” said Uecker. “With Human trafficking being the second fastest growing crime in the nation, it’s vital that we do all we can to spread awareness so all Ohioans know how to recognize trafficking crimes and exactly how to report them.”

Toledo is one of the largest cities in Ohio, which ranks 4th in the nation for human trafficking.

In cooperation with Governor Kasich, Ohio’s new anti-human trafficking program includes a public awareness campaign to help everyone better recognize the crime, new systems to help all Ohioans easily report suspected cases of trafficking, and assistance to connect victims with the help they need to return to society.

To report suspicion of human trafficking, Ohioans should call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline at 1-888-3737-888 or text BeFree (233733). You can also file a confidential report online at www.PolarisProject.org/What-We-Do/National-Human-Trafficking-Hotline/Re….

Things you should know when reporting a trafficking crime:
Describe the situation that led you to believe human trafficking was occurring.
How do you know it is by force, fraud, or coercion?
Names, addresses, phone number, license plate, demographics, and physical description of controller or victim.

Victims of human trafficking should be directed to the Victim Support Service’s 24-hour hotline at 1-800-346-7555 or online at www.PolarisProject.org.

Senator Uecker represents the 14th District in the Ohio Senate, which encompasses all of Adams, Brown, Clermont, and Scioto Counties as well as a portion of Lawrence County. He currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on State Government Oversight and Reform. Learn more at www.OhioSenate.gov/Uecker.

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