Ohio creates program for human trafficking resources
OHIO — Gov. Mike DeWine announced a new program Wednesday that aims to improve and increase support for human trafficking survivors.
The new Direct Services for Victims of Human Trafficking Grant Program has $4 million in funding available for nonprofit organizations to help them serve the growing number of sex and labor trafficking victims.
“As awareness of human trafficking grows, the number of identified victims also increases, so it is absolutely critical that our local service programs have enough resources,” said DeWine in a press release. “This infusion of grant funding will help ensure that support for trafficking victims is widely available.”
Direct services that are eligible for the funding include mental health services, education and employment support, substance use disorder treatment and more. For nonprofits to qualify for the funding, they must provide direct support to human trafficking victims and/or those who may be considered at high risk for trafficking.
Applicants can submit proposals online on the Online Grants Management System website. The submission deadline is Nov. 8 by 5 p.m. DeWine said awards will likely be announced in January 2024.
In addition, the state will offer a training webinar for potential applicants to provide information on application preparation and the review process. It will be held Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 9:30 a.m., and any nonprofit with questions should contact the State Anti-Trafficking Coordinator at [email protected].
“We appreciate Governor DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly for recognizing the need for expanded victim services throughout the state,” said Maria Busch, state anti-trafficking coordinator for the Governor's Human Trafficking Task force. “Those who've been subject to human trafficking have unique needs and often require several levels of support to move forward, and this investment will make a significant difference in helping survivors take back control of their lives.”
According to the latest data from the National Human Trafficking Hotline, there were more than 291 human trafficking cases identified in 2021, which involved 424 victims. Most of the cases involved sex trafficking. Overall, the hotline received more than 1,100 signals that year, 355 of which were from human trafficking victims or survivors.
If you or someone you know may be affected by human trafficking, resources can be found here.
This “Eyes on Trafficking” story is reprinted from its original online location.
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PBJ Learning is a leading provider of online human trafficking training, focusing on awareness and prevention education. Their interactive Human Trafficking Essentials online course is used worldwide to educate professionals and individuals how to recognize human trafficking and how to respond to potential victims. Learn on any web browser (even your mobile phone) at any time.
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EYES ON TRAFFICKING
This “Eyes on Trafficking” story is reprinted from its original online location.
ABOUT PBJ LEARNING
PBJ Learning is a leading provider of online human trafficking training, focusing on awareness and prevention education. Their interactive Human Trafficking Essentials online course is used worldwide to educate professionals and individuals how to recognize human trafficking and how to respond to potential victims. Learn on any web browser (even your mobile phone) at any time.
More stories like this can be found in your PBJ Learning Knowledge Vault.