Ohio State Rep. Teresa Fedor to host seventh annual Human Trafficking Awareness Day

State Representative Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo) will host the seventh annual Human Trafficking Awareness Day on Thursday, January 14 at the Ohio Statehouse Atrium from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The annual event features a resource fair and educational panels of advocacy professionals and human trafficking survivors.*

“The work we have done in Ohio to combat human trafficking has put criminals behind bars, raised public awareness and given victims hope,” said Fedor. “When we started this fight ten years ago, the odds seemed long. Laws prohibiting and defining human trafficking in Ohio didn’t even exist, and few understood - let alone recognized - the underground network of evil that ripped apart families and communities. I am pleased with our progress over the last decade and with our efforts to educate and mobilize lawmakers, law enforcement and the general public to develop comprehensive solutions that put an end to modern-day slavery.”  

 For the past ten years, Rep. Fedor has been a leading advocate in the fight to end human trafficking. Most recently, Rep. Fedor passed legislation to address the demand-side of the illegal sex trafficking trade, End Demand Act, Sub. H.B. 130. In 2012, the General Assembly passed Rep. Fedor’s Safe Harbor Act— a victim centered bill aimed at providing protection, prosecution and prevention. And, while in the Senate, Fedor passed Ohio’s first bill to define human trafficking and make it illegal, Senate Bill 235.                                                              

What:             Human Trafficking Awareness Day

When:             Thursday, Jan. 14

8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Where:           Ohio Statehouse Atrium

                        1 Capitol Square

                        Columbus, OH 43215   

Ohio Government Television will stream portions of the event live at http://www.ohiochannel.org

Who:               State Representative Teresa Fedor, partners, advocates, law enforcement officials, survivors, federal and state elected officials                

* A detailed agenda is forthcoming. CLE and CEU credits will be available to increase awareness of human trafficking among professionals.

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