Human trafficking report: Women recruit girls for Ohio sex trade

CLEVELAND - A new report paints a vivid picture of the shadowy world of sex trafficking in Ohio, from its recruiters and groomers to its customers and pimps.

The report released Wednesday by the state Human Trafficking Commission is based on interviews with 328 victims in Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton and Toledo. In Cleveland, 15 percent reported they were forced into the trade before they were 18 years old.

"The Ohio Attorney General's Office asked the commission to go out into the community and talk with human trafficking victims," said Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine. "Because of this report, we now have more insight into who is more likely to get trafficked and how to prevent it."

Renee Jones from the Renee Jones Empowerment Center in Cleveland started a program dealing with human trafficking in 2008. Jones has helped hundreds of victims. "I can tell you we have seen women in here from every suburb in the Greater Cleveland area, it is not limited to the inner city," said Jones.

Human is one of the largest criminal activities in the world.

Of those interviewed, 115 reported that they were forced into the trade when they were under 18, with 12 percent of them sold before they were 12.

Here are some of the findings from the Ohio Human Trafficking Commission by city:

Percent reporting being forced into the trade before they were 18:
Columbus: 44 percent
Toledo: 40 percent
Cincinnati: 33 percent
Dayton: 26 percent
Cleveland: 15 percent

Three highest risk factors for victims forced into the sex trade before they were 18:

- Cleveland: 71 percent reported having been raped, 57 percent said they worried about where to sleep and eat, and 49 percent reported having a much older boyfriend.

- Cincinnati: 60 percent reported having a much older boyfriend, 60 percent reported dropping out of school and 40 percent reported having been raped.

- Dayton: 60 percent reported having been raped, 40 percent reported having a much older boyfriend and 40 percent said they worried about where to sleep and eat.

- Toledo: 58 percent having a much older boyfriend, 53 percent reported having been raped and 53 percent reported having a poor family.

- Columbus: 43 percent reported having been raped, 46 percent said they worried about where to sleep and eat, and 44 percent reported having difficulty in school.

Percent reporting that they were currently being forced to participate in the sex trade:
Cleveland: 27 percent
Columbus: 6 percent
Dayton: 3 percent
Toledo: 2 percent
Cincinnati: 2 percent

Current violence suffered by adults who reported still being in the trade at the hands of a customer or pimp:
Cleveland: 52 percent
Dayton: 36 percent
Cincinnati: 30 percent
Toledo: 25 percent
Columbus: 11 percent

According to the report, the vast majority of the girls forced into prostitution reported that they were recruited by women who were involved in the trade themselves or who at first acted like a friend.

The report says that adults manipulated into the trade were more likely to be recruited by men.On Friday the 2012 NEO Human Trafficking Symposium is taking place. It will be held at Notre Dame College in South Euclid from 8:45 am until 4:00 pm. Tickets are $55, for students $25. Health care professionals, educators, law enforcement, church and faith community leaders, community members, students, parents, social service providers, victim advocates, and victims will take part in the symposium. If you would like more information http://reneejones2012ht.eventbrite.com/

Follow this link for more information on how to recognize sex trafficking and child abuse:
http://on.wews.com/O4dmaQ