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.
Our President & CEO, Kirsti Mouncey, testified before the Ohio House and Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and the Finance Committee, emphasizing the importance of sustained funding for anti-trafficking initiatives. She highlighted that without this support; the progress made in combating human trafficking in Ohio could be at risk.
“Ohio has been at the forefront of tackling human trafficking, but without sustained and increased funding, we risk losing the progress we’ve achieved. Survivors require long-term support to heal, rebuild, and move forward; state investment ensures that organizations can continue to coordinate and provide these essential services.”— Kirsti Mouncey, President & CEO, Collaborative to End Human Trafficking
New Federal Law Passed: Take It Down Act
In May, the Take It Down Act was signed into federal law—making it illegal to create or distribute sexually explicit images of someone without their consent, including AI-generated deepfakes. Platforms are now required to remove such content within 48 hours upon request.This legislation marks a critical advancement for survivors of trafficking, especially those subjected to digital exploitation and coercion.This law restores control and dignity to survivors. It sends a clear message: consent matters, and tech-facilitated exploitation will not be tolerated.
Read our Take It Down FAQ to understand what this means for survivors and how advocates can take action.
The Humans Over Human Trafficking public awareness campaign continues to resonate deeply. The campaign empowers individuals to take a stand against exploitation by taking the pledge. This commitment means learning the signs, sharing knowledge, and being part of a collective movement that prioritizes people over systems of harm.
A local story about the campaign has become one of the most-read articles on FreshWater Cleveland so far this year, signaling increasing public interest in how to stop human trafficking. Read the story here.
Take the pledge to learn the signs, speak up, and take action. Thank you for being a Human Over Human Trafficking.
Opportunities to Learn & Engage – Join Us
Fundamentals of Human Trafficking Training (Free + Virtual)
Get your social work CEUs this summer! This training equips professionals and community members with the tools to recognize and respond to trafficking. Choose a time that’s convenient for you or your team below:
🗓️ June 17 | 5:30–7:00 PM via Zoom | 1.5 CEUs
Register here.
🗓️ July 30 (World Day Against Trafficking in Persons) via Zoom
| 11:30 AM–1:00 PM | 1.5 CEUs
Register here.
🗓️ August 22 | 5:30–7:00 PM | 1.5 CEUs via Zoom
Register here.
Caring in Crisis: Tools for Health and Resilience
(Free + Virtual)
🗓️ June 25 | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM via Zoom |
Register here.
Last month, we focused on the importance of mental health in collective work. This month, we’re continuing that care with a free event for our partners, statewide coalitions, and members of the broader community who work in service to others.
Led by Dr. Jenny King—a trauma- and nervous system-informed social worker, therapist, and educator—this session will offer practical, accessible tools for:
- Regulating the nervous system in high-stress environments
- Building sustainable practices for long-term engagement
- Fostering resilience at both individual and collective levels
Let’s continue building a movement rooted in healing, sustainability, and care—for survivors, for systems, and for each other.
Awareness in Action
Pride with Purpose
More than 30,000 people took to the streets for Pride in the CLE—celebrating joy, resilience, and collective liberation.
But Pride is also a call to action. LGBTQIA+ youth are disproportionately impacted by trafficking, facing higher rates of family rejection, homelessness, and exploitation.
Prevention begins with affirmation. Inclusive communities that offer safety, shelter, and belonging are powerful tools against trafficking.
🏳️🌈 Thrive with Pride Wellness Day – June 25
Hosted by the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland
Learn more about Pride Month events
Let’s continue building a world where safety, dignity, and freedom are not privileges, but rights—for everyone.
TWorld Day Against Child Labor
June 12 marks World Day Against Child Labor—a global reminder that children continue to be exploited through unsafe, illegal work that often goes unseen.
Child labor is a key risk factor for trafficking, especially for youth in poverty, unstable housing, or foster care.
Child labor violations are rising in the U.S., according to the Department of Labor. Now is the time to use your voice.
Take action:
**RSVP for a Fundamentals Training
**Share our post to raise awareness using #ChildLaborDay
**Speak up about child labor as a pipeline to trafficking
| Action Steps: How You Can Help This Month |
| Trafficking thrives in silence. Prevention grows through action. Here’s how you can get involved in June: Attend the June 17 training Take the pledge—and share it Post for #ChildLaborDay (June 12) Share our social posts to educate your networks Make a donation to support survivor-led prevention Host a speaker or training in your workplace or community |
