Richardson Introduces Human Trafficking Awareness Bill

COLUMBUS – State Representative Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville) announces the introduction of legislation to recognize Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Ohio. 

The federal government recognizes Human Trafficking Awareness Day January 11th each year. Richardson plans to codify Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Ohio on the same day. January is also federally recognized as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. 

“The victimization of vulnerable women and men within our state must end,” said Richardson. “Awareness brings us closer to preventing this crime against humanity and is a step toward creating greater hope here in Ohio.”

Human trafficking is defined as the use of force, fraud or coercion to compel a person into commercial sex acts or labor against their will. Ohio is one of the top five states in the nation for reported trafficking cases. 

Up to 90% of prostituted persons reported being under the control of a trafficker, while 87% reported receiving healthcare service while being detained by their trafficker. 60% of child sex trafficking victims have been in the foster care system. 

“Ohio has become a hub for human trafficking due to the state’s proximity to airports, abundance of truck stops, and prevalence of colleges and universities,” said Richardson. “This legislation will demonstrate Ohio’s shared efforts in bringing awareness to the devastating practice of human trafficking.”

Richardson is joint sponsoring this bipartisan bill with State Representative Dontavius L. Jarrells.