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.
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
Thursday, May 18th from 5:30PM to 7PM, join us for a FREE learning session on human trafficking via Zoom. This training earns 1.5 CEUs.
Human trafficking affects communities everywhere, and awareness is the first step to prevention. Spend a little over an hour with us for an engaging VIRTUAL Fundamentals of Human Trafficking training designed to educate, empower, and equip you with the knowledge to recognize and respond.
This 90 minute training is for individuals, teams, HR departments, classrooms, and community groups. Bring a colleague, invite your students, or encourage your workplace to attend together.
Carolyn Arny, Director of Education & Training for the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking and a member of the Collaborative’s Survivor Advisory Council will teach this session. Carolyn brings 20+ years of experience as a trauma-informed instructor, offering both foundational learning and specialized training to organizations, ensuring they are equipped with the tools to identify and support survivors of human trafficking.
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Recent News
The Critical Role of Schools in Preventing Human Trafficking
Human trafficking doesn’t just happen to older teens or adults. Traffickers target vulnerability at any age—including children in grade school and middle school. That’s why schools, educators, counselors, and prevention programs can work together to build strong, protective networks that help keep kids in Cuyahoga County safe. Across our region, a coordinated effort is growing to ensure students receive the education, support, and trusted relationships they need to recognize and avoid exploitation.
Ohio Advocacy Day Shines Light on Human Trafficking Prevention
Nearly 250 advocates, survivors, and community leaders gathered on Wednesday, January 29th at the Ohio Statehouse for the 2025 Human Trafficking Prevention Awareness Statehouse Advocacy Day, the first event of its kind hosted by the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking. The event, held during National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, was a powerful demonstration of Ohio’s commitment to combating trafficking through prevention, advocacy, and action.
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.
Our Mission
