What is human trafficking?
.
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.
Recent News
The Land: How the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking is trying to end modern day slavery in Northeast Ohio
May was a big month for the Collaborative, Northeast Ohio’s anti-trafficking advocacy agency. On May 28, Kirsti Mouncey testified before the Ohio Senate Finance Committee. The president and CEO of the Collaborative joined other advocates and allies for survivors of human trafficking as they lobbied to preserve $4.5 million in state funding in Ohio’s 2025–2026 budget. This funding gained even greater significance due to cuts in federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funds and will ensure that essential services for survivors remain uninterrupted.
Cuyahoga County’s Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition Launches Leadership Council
In a significant step forward, the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking announces the formation of the Leadership Council for Cuyahoga County’s Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition, a major milestone in advancing our community’s shared mission to prevent and end human trafficking. This Council brings together visionary leaders from across sectors—public health, government, law enforcement and nonprofit—each committed to aligning our strategies, amplifying survivor voice, and building a more coordinated response to human trafficking in our community.
June Spotlight: A Major Win for Survivors Across Ohio
This month, our community helped secure a significant victory for survivors of human trafficking. Thanks to the relentless advocacy of survivors, partners, and allies, $4.5 million in state funding was preserved in Ohio’s 2025–2026 budget. This funding is crucial, especially as federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) dollars decline, ensuring that essential services for survivors remain uninterrupted.
Upcoming Education & Training
Learn the Fundamentals. Help End Human Trafficking
July Fundamentals
Tuesday, July 15 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
RSVP Now
Join this free, 90-minute virtual training to learn how to recognize, respond to, and prevent human trafficking in your community. Perfect for individuals, teams, educators, civic groups, and professionals across sectors. This session earns 1.5 CEUs. Over 2,000 people in Northeast Ohio have already participated in 2025. Don’t miss this chance to become informed and empowered. Led by Carolyn Arny, Director of Education & Training and member of the Survivor Advisory Council, this session combines lived experience with practical tools for action.
.
Our Mission
