Ohio AG launches new service directory for human trafficking survivors

OHIO — On Monday, Attorney General Dave Yost announced Ohio now has a directory of state-based services and resources for victims of human trafficking.

“Those who are getting out of ‘the life' are already facing considerable obstacles in their healing journeys,” Yost said in a press release. “We want to do what we can to expedite their connection with the services they need and to ensure that the service agencies are vetted. This directory both streamlines the search process for survivors and leads them to reputable help.”

The searchable database is called the Human Trafficking Victim Services Directory. Users can search by county or by using these categories:

• 24 Hour Response Line
• Emergency Response
• Case Management Victim Advocacy
• Trauma Specific Therapy
• Residential Programs for Adults
• Residential Programs for Youth
• Substance Use Treatment
• Drop-In Center
• Survivor Peer Support
• Shelter and Short-Term Housing for Adults
• Temporary Emergency Housing in Non-Shelter Setting

Yost said all the agencies that appear in the database have submitted self-assessments to the Human Trafficking Commission, and the Victim Services Committee determined each one met the Ohio's Standards of Service for Trafficked Persons.

“This project is the result of a collaborative statewide effort to expand the number of programs that meet Ohio's human trafficking service standards and to increase access to quality services for human trafficking survivors,” said Michelle Hannan, anti-human trafficking director for the Salvation Army, in a press release.

This isn't the final stage of the project, Yost said. He said he plans for the directory to continue to grow to better help survivors.

“As word spreads about the standards process involved, more and more high-quality service providers will want to be a part of it — which should give trafficking survivors and their loved ones comfort,” Yost said. “It's a win for all involved.”