What is human trafficking?
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Human trafficking is the illegal exploitation of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for the purposes of labor, services, or commercial sex.
Victims are manipulated or controlled—often through threats, deception, or violence—and forced to work against their will for the financial benefit of others.
This crime affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, spanning industries such as agriculture, construction, domestic work, the sex trade, and it happens in families. Human trafficking is not only a severe violation of human rights but also a public health crisis, causing significant physical, emotional, and psychological harm to victims, often leaving them with long-term trauma, health and economic complications.
Traffickers frequently target vulnerable populations, such as those experiencing poverty, trauma & abuse, or instability, further deepening social inequities and eroding community well-being.
The Collaborative to End Human Trafficking began in 2007 and was built on the understanding that a multifaceted human rights and public health issue like human trafficking cannot be solved by one organization or system alone.
We recognized that only when we bring people together to unlock our collective potential can we create solutions that break the cycle of human trafficking.
Upcoming Education & Training Opportunities
Human Trafficking Prevention Statehouse Advocacy Day on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. Join more than 200 community leaders, survivors, and legislators to build relationships and drive action in the fight to prevent human trafficking. Together we will strengthen our networks, share vital insights, and advocate for transformative policy changes. Register here.
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Recent News
Human Trafficking Prevention Month: Greater Cleveland Collaborates for Change
On January 16, 2025, Greater Cleveland community leaders came together to take a powerful stand against human trafficking during Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Hosted by the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking, the bi-monthly meeting of Greater Cleveland’s Coordinated Response to Human Trafficking (GCCRTHT), brought together a diverse group of nonprofit organizations, local government representatives, and service providers.
January Is Human Trafficking Prevention Month
In recognition of Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking is hosting the 2025 Human Trafficking Prevention Awareness Statehouse Advocacy Day on Wednesday, January 29th; launching a new public awareness campaign created by Brokaw Inc, offering free training sessions to the public and more.
2023 – 2024 Impact Report
It has been a transformative year for the Collaborative. Read our latest Impact Report to learn more about our work in the community this year to end human trafficking. Together, we have been shining a bright light on the pervasive issue of human trafficking—illuminating hidden struggles, empowering survivors, and rallying our community to action. The 2023/24 Impact Report outlines the milestones we have reached together to create a ripple effect of change—one that begins with awareness and extends to real, lasting empowerment for survivors.
Our Mission
Mission: Lead, empower, and connect our community to eradicate human trafficking.
Vision: A world without human trafficking, one community at a time.
The Way: We provide leadership and expertise to empower a systemic, community-wide response to human trafficking.
