Sex and labor trafficking represent a criminal industry worth, according to some global esimates, as much as $150 billion a year--second only to the sale of illegal narcotics. But human trafficking is not a far away crime, it is happening here in Ohio and Cleveland---in both the city and suburbs experts say. A new dramatic work takes the stage this week in Cleveland detailing the issue of sex trafficking. Our Arts & Culture team talks with the playwright, Christopher Johnston. Then we talk with just two of the many advocates and experts working to combat human trafficking here in Northeast Ohio. Later, in our regular Statehouse segment, we will discuss some of the legislation being considered aimed at reducing human trafficking.
For More Information:
Collaborative to End Human Trafficking
Renee Jones Empowerment Center
Hotline Numbers:
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
Northeast Ohio Project Star Hotline: 1-855-431-7827
Cuyahoga County Regional Human Trafficking Task Force Hotline: 216-443-6085
Christopher Johnston, Journalist, Playwright, "Live Bodies for Sale"
Dan Polletta, Producer, Arts & Culture, Ideastream
Renee Jones, Founder, Renee Jones Empowerment Center
Karen Walsh, President, CEO, Collaborative to End Human Trafficking
Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV