Many think of child sex trafficking as a problem in some foreign countries, but it also exists here. Ohio is ranked among the worst for child sex trafficking in the United States, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer and a report from the Ohio Attorney General?'s office.
Around 1,000 juveniles ? many of whom are in their middle-school years ? are forced into the sex trade each year in Ohio.
Joining us to discuss child sex trafficking in Greater Cincinnati and ways to help its victims are Program Manager for Anti-Human Trafficking at The Salvation Army, Erin Meyer; Hamilton County Job and Family Services Director Moira Weir; and Lighthouse Sheakley Center for Youth Director John Keuffer.
For more information or if you need assistance, visit the websites of Lighthouse Youth Services, the McCain Institute?'s Human Trafficking Advisory Council, the Human Rights Project for Girls or the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The Lighthouse Youth Crisis Center also operates a twenty-four hour youth crisis line at 513-961-4080. For help or to report suspected human trafficking situations, please call the Salvation Army Greater Cincinnati Hotline at 513-800-1863.
For information on social service agencies in our region, visit the United Way of Greater Cincinnati 2-1-1 Community Resource Directory.