Resources

If you are in danger or need medical assistance, please call 911 immediately. To be connected with services and support, or to report a tip, call The National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” or “INFO” to 233733.

The toll-free phone and SMS text lines and live online chat function are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Help is available in English or Spanish, or in more than 200 additional languages through an on-call interpreter. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals can contact the Hotline by dialing 711, the free national access number that connects to Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). Correspondence with the National Hotline is confidential and you may request assistance or report a tip anonymously. Find out more about the hotline here.

National and International Resources

A21

A21 is the abolitionists of the 21st century. A21 has offices in 12 countries around the world. Each office is unique in its operations and they do a wide span of anti-trafficking work including providing national hotlines to help identify victims to be rescued, freedom centers that provide comprehensive aftercare for survivors, expert training for law enforcement and justice system professionals, child advocacy centers to assist in the prosecution of human traffickers, educational curriculum to warn youth about the dangers and methods of human traffickers, and awareness campaigns to equip communities to identify and report potential instances of human trafficking.

ECPAT-USA

ECPAT-USA is the leading anti-child trafficking organization in the United States seeking to end the commercial, sexual exploitation of children through awareness, advocacy, policy, and legislation. ECPAT-USA is a member of ECPAT International, a network of organizations in more than 90 countries with one common mission: to eliminate the sexual exploitation of children around the world. ECPAT advocates for policies that prevent exploitation, protects children, and guarantees that any child who is subjected to sex trafficking or exploitation will not be prosecuted in the courts for prostitution. ECPAT promotes corporate responsibility among private companies with a strong focus on the tourism sector. ECPAT also educates first responders, youth, and ordinary citizens about this issue so that they can identify victims and join in the fight to better protect children.

End It Movement

#ENDITMOVEMENT is a coalition of the leading organizations in the world in the fight for freedom. Each of their amazing coalition partners are doing the work, on the ground, everyday, to bring awareness prevention, rescue, and restoration. Joined by students and Senators, Nonprofits and Fortune 500s, END IT is each of us standing for what’s right until the number of men, women, and children suffering in silence moves from 40 million, to ZERO.

End Slavery Now

We all have a role in ending slavery. At End Slavery Now they help you find yours. End Slavery Now is owned and operated by the Freedom Center in Cincinnati, OH as a part of its contemporary antislavery program. They try to illustrate the many different ways everyday individuals can get involved in the fight. From volunteer opportunities to resource sharing to curating all of the different opportunities to take action, their tools are designed to assist you when you ask “what can I do?”. The goal at End Slavery Now is for the public to learn about the issue, connect with organizations, and take action to end slavery.

The Exodus Road

The Exodus Road is an organization specializing in human trafficking rescue. The Exodus Road empowers rescue for current victims of human trafficking, equips nationals to fight slavery in their own communities, and encourages effective collaboration among practitioners. The Exodus Road’s investigators gather evidence and help find and free modern slaves by facilitating raids, rescues, and arrests with local police. They also do preventative training which equips local leaders, law enforcement and civil society to recognize and fight human trafficking right in their own backyards. Additionally, they invest in prevention and survivor care projects.

Fair Trade Federation (FTF)

The Fair Trade Federation (FTF) is the trade association that strengthens and promotes organizations in the US and Canada fully committed to fair trade. The Federation is part of the global fair trade movement, building equitable and sustainable trading partnerships and creating opportunities to alleviate poverty. The FTC believes trade should promote fair compensation, safe and healthy conditions, direct and long-term relationships, transparent business practices, and workplaces free from discrimination and forced child labor. Browse FTF member stores and cafes on their website.

Not For Sale

Not For Sale works to end modern slavery and exploitation through sustainable social enterprise. Together with their partners, they are creating a future without human trafficking and exploitation by preventing exploitation and forced labor through impact sourcing practices, ensuring their farmers receive fair wages, access to resources, and protection of their rights. They also raise awareness around the devastating modern realities of exploitation and forced labor so consumers can choose to support and demand dignified supply chains. Each company that they work with commits a portion of their revenue to support Not For Sale in providing shelter, education, healthcare, legal services, and job training for victims of exploitation around the world.

Polaris Project

Polaris, named after the North Star that guided slaves to freedom in the U.S., disrupts the conditions that allow human trafficking to thrive in our society. From working with government leaders to protect victims’ rights, to building partnerships with the world’s leading technology corporations, they spark long-term change that focuses communities on identifying, reporting and eliminating trafficking networks. Their comprehensive model puts victims at the center of all that they do — helping survivors restore their freedom, preventing more victims, and gathering the data to pursue traffickers wherever they operate.

Unicef

Unicef works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, to defend their rights, and to help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. All children have the right to be protected from violence, exploitation and abuse. Yet, millions of children worldwide from all socio-economic backgrounds, across all ages, religions and cultures suffer violence, exploitation and abuse every day. Millions more are at risk. Unicef works with partners around the world to promote policies and expand access to services that protect all children through initiatives in areas such as child protection and inclusion, child survival, education, emergency aid, gender equality, innovation, supplies and logistics, and research and analysis.

The Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives (FDFI)

The Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives (FDFI) was founded by descendants of Frederick Douglass in June 2007 in order to honor and preserve his legacy and to create awareness about modern-day slavery in an effort to expedite its demise. The FDFI’s mission is to “Advance Freedom Through Knowledge and Strategic Action”. As part of their vision of ‘Abolition through Education’, they teach young people about human trafficking and all forms of modern-day slavery and they do it within the context of history. In turn, they encourage those that they teach to educate their peers and the community in which they live. Funds raised by the foundation go directly to educational programs with the goal of ending the practice of the buying and selling of people.

Free The Slaves

Free the Slaves was born in the early days of the new millennium, dedicated to alerting the world about slavery’s global comeback and to catalyze a resurgence of the abolition movement. Slavery will end when businesses clean up their supply chains and consumers demand slavery-free products, when governments and international institutions toughen enforcement and fund anti-slavery work worldwide, and when activists and advocates educate the vulnerable about their rights and empower those in slavery to take a stand for freedom. Free the Slaves is building a world without slavery by demonstrating that ending slavery is possible.

International Justice Mission (IJM)

International Justice Mission is a global organization that protects the poor from violence throughout the developing world. IJM’s mission is to protect the poor from violence by rescuing victims, bringing the criminals to justice, restoring survivors to safety and strength, and helping local law enforcement build a safe future that lasts. They combat slavery, sex trafficking, property grabbing, police abuse of power and sexual violence in nearly 20 communities throughout Africa, Latin America and South and Southeast Asia.

Helping Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Assault

Helping Survivors is an organization that is solely dedicated to helping survivors of sexual abuse and assault. There are many situations that are prone to these atrocities happening, which Helping Survivors is focused on spreading light on. They are a national organization, so they are able to help victims all across the USA, and can help them by referring them to different resources and services.

Bicycle Health

Bicycle Health offers confidential evidence-based virtual care for opioid use disorder. Providing access to a highly trained team of medical experts, customized treatments, prescription refills for medication management, and access to peer support groups and therapy. To help more Americans get the treatment they need, Bicycle Health has sought to reach as many people with OUD as possible Offering high-quality, affordable, convenient and confidential opioid use disorder treatment for those in need, with a vision to help anyone with OUD live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.

In hopes to spread awareness among men and women who experience Intimate Partner Violence since they’re more likely to use substances, we created this guide where we discuss substance misuse issues in victims, witnesses, and perpetrators of IPV/DV and highlight where to find help.

The Boca Recovery Center

Boca Recovery Center is a free web resource and 24/7 helpline that provides information about addiction, pregnancy, eating disorders, and mental health issues. We are passionate about working with individuals seeking recovery, and our purpose is to provide patients with the tools necessary to rebuild their lives through a foundation of overall health and well-being.

Local Resources

(Columbus, OH)

Asian American Community Services (AACS)

Asian American Community Services’ (AACS) mission is to improve the well-being and quality of life of Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islanders, and Asian immigrant families in Ohio by providing social services and empowering individuals through education, training and leadership. Since 1976, AACS has led efforts to empower and develop the local Asian community through its expansive and proactive programs and services. Their Family Support Program (FSP) provides services to crime victims (i.e. hate bias, domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking). They help their clients navigate emergency assistance, transportation and referrals to partner agencies.

CAP4Kids (The Children’s Advocacy Project of Columbus, OH)

Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Children’s Practicing Pediatricians (CPP) teamed up in 2010 to launch the C4K website. The mission of CAP4Kids is to bridge the gap between the many excellent community resources and the families and kids that need them the most. The C4K team is composed of a small dedicated group of pediatricians, social workers, administrators and health care professionals. Visit C4K to find After School Programs, Child Care, Housing, Special Needs, Employment, Mental Health Services, Parenting Resources, Health Care, New Mom Stuff and more.

Changing Actions to Change Habits (CATCH) Court

CATCH addresses the needs of defendants who have been charged in the Franklin County Municipal Court with prostitution, solicitation, loitering to solicit, or other offenses if the defendant has a history of being a victim of human trafficking. The vision of the specialized docket is to maintain accountability for criminal actions while linking participants to behavioral health treatment providers, encouraging independent recovery, providing trauma competent services, and directing participants to engage with appropriate service providers. Admission to CATCH requires a referral and the defendant must volunteer, be assessed for eligibility, and plead guilty to an active charge to enter the program. Some cases are eligible for sealing and expungement upon successful completion of the program.

The Central Ohio Reach and Restore Coalition (CORRC)

The Central Ohio Reach and Restore Coalition was founded in 2007 to mobilize Central Ohio in the fight against human trafficking. CORRC is the 21st of its kind to be established in the United States under the guidance of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Managed by The Salvation Army, CORRC’s membership is comprised of individuals and organizations dedicated to finding a collaborative solution to human trafficking in central Ohio through education, services, advocacy, and prosecution.

Gracehaven

Gracehaven was founded to care for the growing number of victims of domestic minor sex trafficking. More than 1,000 minors are sexually trafficked in Ohio annually. To effectively care for victims and prevent others from being enslaved in this life, Gracehaven employs a comprehensive approach to combatting domestic minor sex trafficking that includes community collaboration, prevention education and awareness, intervention training, and survivor care and support. Gracehaven also runs the only licensed residential facility for sex-trafficked minors in Ohio,where girls receive support while healing.

Ohio Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force

In March 2012, Gov. Kasich signed an Executive Order creating the Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force. The Governor’s Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force was formed to marshal the resources of the State of Ohio to coordinate efforts to identify victims, create a coordinated law enforcement system to investigate and prosecute human trafficking crimes, and to provide the services and treatment necessary for victims to regain control of their lives. Ten state agencies are members of the task force and have worked to identify service gaps and made recommendations for filling those gaps. Read the 2019 Human Trafficking Task Force Report here.

Out of Darkness Columbus

Out of Darkness, Columbus, OH is a chapter of the anti-trafficking ministry of Atlanta Dream Center, Inc., a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Out of Darkness, Columbus is an anti-trafficking outreach and rescue organization, providing immediate short-term crisis stabilization and hope through God, to transition exploited adult women into long-term programs.Their mission is to reach, rescue, and restore all victims of commercial sex exploitation, that the glory of God may be known. Their main values include commitment, love, wisdom, and action.

Reaching For The Shining Starz

Reaching For The Shining Starz provides hope, compassion, and love to the ladies who are currently stuck in the bondage of sex trafficking, homelessness, and addiction. They provide basic needs such as: hygiene items, long term and short term resources, clothing, and food. The organization also links people to services such as: case management, trauma counseling, employment, and schooling. Anytime a woman expresses a need for help, a desire to escape, or wants treatment they will provide a way out of the lifestyle. Reaching For The Shining Starz also helps women find secure housing and get them the tools needed to acclimate back into society and be successful in life.

The Salvation Army of Central Ohio

Since May 2007, The Salvation Army in Central Ohio has taken a lead role in addressing and combatting the growing problem of human trafficking in Central Ohio. The Salvation Army serves as a primary victim services provider, offering 24-hour response to calls from the National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888), 24-hour in-person emergency response to assist victims, long-term comprehensive case management, weekly street outreach to engage victims, weekly drop-in center, The Well, for women trafficked in the sex industry, trauma and addiction groups to help victims heal. Additionally, The Salvation Army in Central Ohio is the Coalition Manager for the CORRC, a network of more than 100 organizations working together to raise awareness and build a strong network of services for trafficking survivors.

Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio (SARNCO)

The OhioHealth Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio provides advocacy and emotional support services in conjunction with medical and social services at OhioHealth Emergency Departments and other local facilities in central Ohio. Their programs and services include a 24-hr sexual assault helpline (614-267-7020), 24-hr emergency room advocacy, campus advocacy at OSU, aftercare advocacy, a sexual violence prevention program, and recovery resources.

Save Our Adolescents From Prostitution (SOAP)

The SOAP Project is specifically focused on educating and increasing awareness in the public on the prevalence of human trafficking, in order to restore trafficked survivors and to prevent teens from being victimized. SOAP National travels all over the U.S. to hold outreaches during large events. We partner with local organizations to distribute millions of bars of soap wrapped with a red band that gives the National Human Trafficking Hotline number and resources to high-risk motels. Trained volunteers help offer the soap free-of-charge to motels along with training to be able to identify and report sex trafficking when they see it in their establishments. SOAP outreaches are scheduled around high-demand events like the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four, Indy 500 and many more.

She Has A Name (SHAN)

She Has A Name is a nonprofit organization committed to engaging the community, strengthening partner organizations, and equipping survivors through workforce development. We join together declaring that survivors of human trafficking have a name, a nobility, and a narrative. She Has A Name holds quarterly classes that offer a framework to understand human trafficking and serve survivors. They also act as a resource to survivors by standing in the gap between restorative care and transitional employment by supporting the pursuit of higher education.

Star House

Star House is a 24/7 social service agency, operating Central Ohio’s only drop-in center for youth, ages 14-24, who are experiencing homelessness and their small children. They offer young people a safe respite from the streets, immediate access to basic needs and connections to stabilizing resources, such as housing, transportation, health care, employment, education, addiction services, legal aid, government benefits, ID cards and more.

THREE (Women’s Respite Center)

Compassion Outreach Ministries of Ohio (501c3) has seen a need to help the women in the Franklinton area who are victims of exploitation, coercion, violence and are stuck in the cycle of trafficking. COMO longs to serve the women in Franklinton in a practical and holistic manner. COMO felt the best way to reach this goal was to open a daytime Women’s Respite Center. A place for women from the community to come and receive holistic care, love, and resources. The Women’s Respite Center is a place that aims to serve every women who walks through their doors, being aware that they may be a victim of trafficking. Their goal is for every women to have a safe and homey atmosphere where they feel part of a community, receive physical care, and have access to every resource and opportunity to become whole, healthy human beings. Through offering a meal, clothes, a place to shower and non judgmental care they build the trust needed to offer an alternative lifestyle and crisis intervention if and when they choose to get out of their current situation.

TWO (Men’s Respite Center)

Compassion Outreach Ministries of Ohio (COMO) longs to serve the men in Franklinton in a practical and holistic manner. COMO felt the best way to reach this goal was to open a daytime Men’s Respite Center. A place for the men in the community to come and receive holistic care, love, and resources for every day needs. TWO is a place that aims to serve every man who walks through our doors, being aware that they may be a victim of trafficking, stuck in poverty or suffering from drug addiction. It is a non-judgemental place where men can come in and receive basic needs and resources to cultivate life change and a path out of their current environment. Our goal is for every man to have a safe and homey atmosphere where they feel part of a community, receive common needs, receive love, and have access to every resource and opportunity to become whole, healthy human beings.

Businesses

CleanTurn

CleanTurn revitalizes commercial and residential spaces by providing professional cleaning and interior demolition services. CleanTurn employs men and women with significant barriers to employment. By providing professional cleaning and interior demolition services, CleanTurn is changing perceptions and shattering the myth that a person’s past dictates their future.

Eleventh Candle Co.

Eleventh Candle Co. is a product line launched through Legacy, a non-profit based out of Columbus, Ohio. Collectively, these two organizations have come together as a social enterprise working globally to redeem, restore, empower and equip those vulnerable to human trafficking, abuse, exploitation and addiction. When you buy a candle, a once trafficked women in Ohio is employed, a village in Ethiopia is supported and orphaned children are welcomed into homes.

Freedom a la Cart

Freedom a la Cart makes your meal more meaningful by deliciously combining fresh, flavorful cuisine with life-changing employment and support to survivors of human trafficking. At Freedom a la Cart, they believe that giving a woman practical job skills and developing strong work ethic is vital for creating a pathway to freedom and self-sufficiency. So, they’ve created a safe place of restoration where survivors can heal, learn and grow as they prepare for sustainable employment within our community.

Global Gifts (Short North)

Global Gifts is a locally-owned nonprofit organization with four locations in central Indiana and Ohio. From jewelry and home goods to toys and food items, their shops are filled with handmade, one-of-a-kind items from over 40 countries around the globe. But that’s not the best part… Global Gifts’ products are fair trade so you can be confident that your purchases have been produced ethically and artisans have been paid a fair wage.

The Roosevelt Coffeehouse

The Roosevelt Coffeehouse is a coffeehouse built to fight the injustices of hunger, unclean water, and human trafficking. By supporting the Roosevelt you are supporting the efforts of those working to fight the local and global injustices of unclean water, hunger, and human trafficking. They partner with organizations that are building wells and latrines, feeding people locally and internationally, and rescuing & restoring dignity to those who have been enslaved.

Wild Tiger Tees

Wild Tiger Tees is a screen printing and design shop based in Columbus, Ohio. They print all of their products at Star House, a drop-in center serving youth experiencing homelessness in central Ohio, while employing any guest interested in learning about the screen printing process. Their aim is to create a safe environment to provide the support necessary to develop a resume, to teach easily transferable soft skills, and pass on hard skills in screen printing, basic design, and business management.

Related Media

TraffickWatch

Digital Experience

TraffickWatch is a human trafficking training and awareness program created by The Exodus Road. The initial phase of this program centers on the TraffickWatch digital experience. This website is user-driven, award-winning and contains highly engaging content that allows users to explore three paths: learn the facts, discover real stories, and make an impact. The program is offered for free online, and takes around 10-15 minutes to completely experience all the content. Additionally, they provide a monthly resource via email to our TraffickWatch community. The second phase of TraffickWatch, launching in Fall 2020, will include in-person trainings with community leaders and groups throughout the state of Colorado.

The True Cost

Documentary

The True Cost is a documentary film exploring the impact of fashion on people and the planet. It’s about the clothes we wear, the people who make them, and the impact the industry is having on our world. The price of clothing has been decreasing for decades, while the human and environmental costs have grown dramatically. The True Cost is a groundbreaking documentary film that pulls back the curtain on the untold story and asks us to consider, who really pays the price for our clothing?

Have a suggestion of a resource to add to this page? Email us at unchainedosu@gmail.com.