COLUMBUS – Ohio lawmakers and advocates are continuing their efforts to end human trafficking.
Senators Stephanie Kunze (R-Hilliard) and Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo) and Representative Tavia Galonski of Summit County (D-Akron) hosted the 11th annual Human Trafficking Awareness Day at the Statehouse Thursday.
Kunze and Senator Matt Dolan (R-Chagrin Falls) sponsored legislation, recently signed by Gov. Mike DeWine that increases criminal penalties for individuals convicted of promoting prostitution in Ohio and prohibiting anyone from knowingly taking part in “the creation or operation of any enterprise that facilitates engagement in sexual activity for hire,” such as a brothel.
“We will continue to fight this cruel industry throughout Ohio, helping victims get their lives back and ensuring those who commit these heinous crimes receive the criminal punishment they deserve,” Kunze said.
Fedor has been involved in awareness and prevention efforts for more than 15 years and says the work will likely never end.
“We’re never going to be able to say, ‘OK, we’re done with it,’ she said. “Every generation is going to have to be vigilant because traffickers make billions and billions of dollars, it’s all cash. And we have to stop the traffickers; that’s all there is to it.”
A 2019 study estimated there were about 1,000 known human trafficking victims in Ohio and more than 4,000 people considered at-risk.