Other organizations have developed websites, such as Free2work.org and Slaveryfootprint.org, to help inform consumers.  Consumers can visit these websites and read the Department of Labor's List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor to learn more about the possible presence of human trafficking in the supply chains of products they buy and ensure that consumers are making informed choices.

With sex trafficking, those who purchase sex, "Johns", fuel the demand.  Because human trafficking is a business and, again, business is driven by profits, combating the demand created by "Johns" is among the best ways to prevent future sex trafficking.  Reports such as the National Institute of Justice's National Overview of Prostitution and Sex Trafficking Demand Reduction Efforts and Deconstructing Demand, have informed law enforcement and community efforts to combat demand in Ohio and the greater Cincinnati area.   

Recently, city resolutions were passed, through the efforts of Councilmember Yvette Simpson, to increase penalties for purchasing commercial sex, including license suspension upon conviction. In addition, Ohio House Bill 130 has passed the house, but still must receive support in the Senate to be made into law. This bill proposes provisions that aim at combating demand by increasing penalties for the solicitation of minors and removing the "defense of age" for "Johns" soliciting individuals that are 16 or 17, among other provisions that combat demand and support victims.

By being an informed consumer and educated about the impact demand has on human trafficking, you can influence the prevalence of demand in our community and decrease the presence of human trafficking in the greater Cincinnati area.  To make an immediate impact, visit the website to learn more about HB130 and contact your State Senator to encourage him to support the bill!

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates on the bills progress and additional opportunities to engage in combating demand! 

 

“Eight years ago, I found human trafficking was happening in my district. This first came to public attention in 2005, through Operation Precious Cargo in Harrisburg, PA. The FBI found that of 151 victims of sex trafficking, 45 were children, and 78 of the 151 were from Toledo, Ohio.”

 

“Individuals willing to buy commercial sex expose vulnerable children and adults to the abusive realities of human trafficking. Left unchecked, human trafficking will continue to flourish in our communities. Those who purchase sex, known as buyers or johns, are fueling the commercial sex industry and contribute to the exploitation of Ohio’s children.  To reduce the demand for purchasing commercial sex, Ohio must improve and sustain policies and pass laws focused on the buyers of illegal sex. Sub. H.B. 130 will decrease demand by holding offenders more accountable.”