Collaborative to End Human Trafficking Launches “Prevention Starts Now” Campaign for Human Trafficking Prevention Month 2026 New campaign reframes prevention as a collective, upstream, community-driven effort across Cuyahoga County CLEVELAND, OH — updated January 14, 2... Relevance score:
What Ohio’s 2025 Shared Hope Report Card Really Tells Us  These updates reflect the lived experience of survivors and the insights of frontline providers. They also set a much higher standard for all state... Relevance score:
$9M Secured for Statewide Survivor Services in Ohio Budget  This month, we’re highlighting the power of collective action—from state budget advocacy to regional leadership infrastructure—to strengthen survivor-centered responses, shift systems, and prevent human trafficking in our communities. Thank you, advocates, survivors, and supporters—your voices made this possible. What started at Ohio’s first Human Trafficking Prevention Advocacy Day at the Statehouse in January, culminated with Governor Mike DeWine’s signature on Ohio’s FY26-27 budget in June. The Governor and the Ohio General Assembly responded with a significant commitment: $9 million in state funding to support human trafficking survivor services. Relevance score:
The Collaborative’s Viewpoint – When the System Falls Short: What the Combs’ Case Reveals About Human Trafficking  The recent headlines surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs (from trafficking allegations to shocking video footage, followed by no criminal conviction for human trafficking) have left the public confused, divided, and in some cases, dismissive. For those of us working every day to prevent human trafficking and support survivors, this moment is not about one man. It’s about what the public still doesn’t understand about what trafficking is and isn’t.  Let’s be clear: Human trafficking doesn’t always look like what people imagine. More often, it looks like coercion — subtle, persistent, and psychological. Relevance score:
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. Relevance score:
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. Relevance score:
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. Relevance score:
One of 2025’s Most Popular Stories: A Dignity-Driven Campaign Resonates This week, FreshWater Cleveland released its list of the most popular stories of the year so far and one powerful feature rose to the top: Humans Over Human Trafficking—Massive Awareness Raised. We’re proud to share that this story, anchored in our Humans Over Human Trafficking campaign, has become one of the most-read pieces of 2025. It’s a clear sign that people are ready for a new kind of conversation one grounded in dignity, action, and the power of the human spirit. Relevance score:
May Spotlight: Caring for Ourselves, Strengthening Our Communities At the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking, we believe that supporting mental health is essential—not just for individuals, but for the strength and sustainability of our collective work. If we are not well, our systems and collaborations cannot thrive. This May for Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re spotlighting the importance of mental wellness in building resilient communities and sustaining the work to end human trafficking.  Relevance score:
The Land: How one Cleveland professor’s innovative research is fighting sexual assault around the nation By Christopher Johnston - The Criminology Research Center (CRC), one of Cleveland’s most effective crime-fighting tools, is a bit of a secret weapon because most Clevelanders don’t know it exists.  However, the Cleveland Division of Police, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, Collaborative to End Human Trafficking and Cleveland Rape Crisis Center know it well.  Located at Cleveland State University, the CRC was founded in 2008 and is led by Rachel Lovell, Ph.D., who was recently promoted to associate professor with tenure in the Department of Criminology and Sociology. Her nationally recognized team performs and publishes comprehensive, in-depth research pertaining to a range of crimes and public safety issues, including car jackings, gun violence, human trafficking, rape and sexual assault. Relevance score:
The Roots of Human Trafficking: Child Abuse, Sexual Violence & the Need for Prevention April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month—two deeply connected issues that lie at the heart of our work to end human trafficking. Human trafficking doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It thrives on unaddressed trauma, system failure, and societal silence. Research and lived experience confirm what survivors have long said: childhood sexual abuse and early trauma are among the strongest predictors of future exploitation. To end trafficking, we must address its roots. Relevance score:
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. Relevance score:
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