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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, July 30, 2007
Contact: Tara Wall
(202) 401-9215
Campaign Launched in Columbus to
Identify, Assist Victims of Human Trafficking
Columbus, OH – The U .S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Administration for Children and Families (ACF) today announced the formation of its 21st Rescue & Restore coalition. Rescue & Restore coalitions are designed to raise awareness on the topic of human trafficking, help identify victims and connect victims to services. Based in Columbus, Ohio this newest coalition is a collaboration between law enforcement, Federal and local officials and community organizations to combat human trafficking. HHS’ Rescue & Restore Victims of Human Trafficking campaign is part of a nationwide effort to train those most likely to encounter victims of human trafficking.
“Human trafficking is the equivalent of modern-day slavery,” said Maureen Lydon, Regional Director, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Region V). “This partnership in Columbus is critical to help identify and assist more victims through increased awareness and involvement of the local community.”
“No single department or agency can be tasked with eradicating human trafficking in our nation,” said Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-OH), author of the End Demand for Sex Trafficking Act. “Rather, it is critical that law enforcement at all levels of government work hand in glove with human service agencies, NGOs, border security, and our State Department to identify both perpetrators and victims alike. Columbus Rescue & Restore is a manifestation of our comprehensive commitment to ending trafficking in persons.”
Coalition representatives gathered to officially launch the effort to rescue and restore victims in Columbus and surrounding communities. Members of the coalition include Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association, Catholic Social Services of Southwestern Ohio, City of Columbus Community Relations Commission, Mount Carmel Health System, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, Inc., Ohio Crime Prevention Association, Polaris Project Ohio, Salvation Army of Greater Columbus, YMCA of Central Ohio, Community Refugee and Immigrations Services (CRIS) and others.
An estimated 14,500 to 17,500 people are trafficked into the United States annually. Victims are trafficked across international borders from such regions as Southeast Asia, Latin America, the former Soviet Union and Africa. Often, they are forced into sex and slave labor.
The Rescue & Restore Victims of Human Trafficking campaign aims to educate Americans about the problem of human trafficking and how they can “Look Beneath The Surface” to help victims in their own community. The 24-hour National Human Trafficking Resource Center, 1-888-3737-888, provides instant referrals for victims’ services through social service organizations in the caller’s city. For more information on the Rescue & Restore campaign, visit www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking.
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