The state is joining a new effort to recognize and stop human trafficking ahead of the Republican National Convention. Ads will be displayed at Cleveland Hopkins airport, on city buses and on billboards. The campaign also includes a new website with information on the crime, signs of human trafficking, and how to get help. Kevin Niedermier of member station WKSU in Kent reports.
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s office has provided a 105-thousand dollar grant for the awareness effort. DeWine says the campaign will have the most impact when the 50-thousand convention-goers are expected in Cleveland, and that will help law enforcement do its job……
DeWine
“We cannot do that without the public’s help. So this is really, in my opinion, a teachable moment. An opportunity to reach so many influential people across this country.”
The campaign also helps people recognize the possible signs of human trafficking like young girls staying in hotels for long periods of time with older men. A similar campaign is also being planned for the Democratic National Convention. DeWine’s office says last year more than 200 potential human trafficking victims were identified across Ohio.
