The U.S. Justice Department estimates that there are 14,500 to 17,500 people trafficked into the country every year. Globally, the number of trafficking victims is estimated at upwards of 20 million. These numbers remain difficult to fully quantify, however, The International Labor Organization estimates that forced labor and human trafficking is a $150 billion industry worldwide. The majority of these victims are usually women and children, who are trafficked into forced labor.
Ohio is no exception to human trafficking. In 2011, Attorney General Mike DeWine reconvened the HumanTrafficking Commission comprised of elected and appointed officials, members of local, state, and federal law enforcement, public and private social agencies, religious groups, and schools who aim to investigate the problem and help victims.
What is the next step for legislators and activists? Where do we go from here? This is the City Club's third youth forum of the year with a panel discussion on human trafficking.
Panelists include:
Andrew Burke, Special Agent, Cleveland Division of the FBI
Renee Jones, Founder, Renee Jones Empowerment Center
Karen Walsh, Director, Collaborative to End Human Trafficking
Holly Welsh, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Special Investigations Division, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office