Ohio’s First Statewide Human Trafficking Prevention Advocacy Day Highlights & Media Coverage

January 2, 2025

Event Highlights

Historic Gathering: Approximately 250 advocates, survivors, and community leaders convened at the Ohio Statehouse Atrium for the inaugural Human Trafficking Prevention Advocacy Day.
Survivor Leadership: Harold D’Souza, a survivor of labor trafficking and member of the Collaborative’s Survivor Advisory Council, shared his powerful testimony, emphasizing the importance of survivor-informed advocacy.
Legislative Engagement: Participants engaged directly with lawmakers to discuss prevention strategies and policy advancements aimed at combating human trafficking across Ohio. The Collaborative to End Human Trafficking to Host Statehouse Advocacy Day and More this January
Campaign Launch: The event marked the launch of the “Humans Over Human Trafficking” campaign, focusing on awareness, education, and community involvement to prevent human trafficking before it starts.

Media Coverage

WKYC News 3: Featured a comprehensive segment on the event, highlighting the collaborative efforts and survivor stories that underscored the day’s significance.

Spectrum News 1: Reported on the advocacy efforts, emphasizing the need for legislative action and increased awareness to combat human trafficking.

Collaborative’s Newsroom: Provided an in-depth recap of the day’s events, including photos, participant quotes, and calls to action for continued community engagement.

Impact and Reach

Statewide Collaboration: The event unified a diverse coalition of stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profits, healthcare providers, and educational institutions, all committed to a coordinated response to human trafficking.
Public Awareness: The “Humans Over Human Trafficking” campaign has since expanded its reach, providing educational toolkits and resources to communities across Ohio.
Policy Influence: Discussions and engagements from the event have contributed to ongoing policy dialogues, emphasizing the need for increased funding and support for survivor services.