First Study of Its Kind Shows Global Problem of Human Trafficking Exists Locally |
Freedom Center report urges stronger efforts to fight modern forms of
slavery
CINCINNATI , July 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new study finds that
human trafficking exists in greater Cincinnati, and to combat the issue,
tougher laws, along with training and education, are needed.
The Greater Cincinnati Human Trafficking Report
(http://www.freedomcenter.org/trafficking), the first of its kind, is the result
of a year-long study of human trafficking in Cincinnati and the Tri-state
area, led by the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Its findings
are based on nearly 140 in-depth interviews with law enforcement personnel,
judges, social workers, healthcare providers, government leaders and other
affected parties.
The report notes three areas of concern with greater Cincinnati's
readiness to deal with the issue:
-- Lack of awareness about the problem both in the general public and among
people who deal with it, such as police officers, judges and first
responders
-- Inadequate legislation
-- Lack of training to help law enforcement identify victims.
"Unfortunately, slavery continues to persist around the world and here
at home," said Donald Murphy, the Freedom Center's Chief Executive Officer.
"Human trafficking is a modern form of slavery in which individuals -- even
children -- are forced to work or provide services under the threat of
violence or psychological manipulation, and victims come from all economic
classes and ethnic groups."
More than 90% of the report's interviewees say they are aware of
trafficking happening locally, and just under half said they or their
organizations have encountered victims directly. The report does not state
the exact number of confirmed cases in the area, but it does note that many
cases go undocumented.
"Trafficking cases are underreported both locally and nationally," said
Deborah Lydon, an attorney from Dinsmore & Shohl who helped spearhead the
study. "Our first responders and social service providers acknowledged that
they need better training to identify cases."
In addition to inadequate training, the report says that existing laws
and regulations covering trafficking are not streamlined and often come
with weak penalties. States in our region also treat the crime differently:
In Kentucky and Indiana, trafficking is a distinct crime, but in Ohio, it's
not.
The report offers two main conclusions for how the region should
prepare for dealing with human trafficking: Focus on public awareness and
training, and use benchmark statutes from other cities that would define
trafficking as a crime.
The Freedom Center was assisted on the project by more than 30
volunteers in the community including attorneys, law students, paralegals,
and individuals from non-profit organizations interested in justice issues.
FACTS ABOUT HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Human trafficking is defined as a modern form of slavery in which
adults and children are forced into physical labor or commercial sex, using
threats of violence or psychological manipulation.
The U.S. State Department estimates that up to 800,000 people are
trafficked across international borders each year, including 17,500 people
who are trafficked into the United States.
The International Labor Organization claims that trafficking is the
world's second-most popular criminal activity, generating more than $32
billion annually.
LINKS TO MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HUMAN TRAFFICKING
http://www.freedomcenter.org/slavery-today/
http://www.state.gov/g/tip/ (U.S. State Department)
http://www.freetheslaves.net
http://www.ijm.org
http://www.polarisproject.org
http://www.antislavery.org
http://www.childvoiceintl.org
http://www.rugmark.org
SOURCE National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
back to topRelated links:
CONTACT:
Paul Bernish of the National Underground
Railroad Freedom Center, +1-513-333-7589
