Exposing Sex Trafficking in Columbus
Council President Zach Klein Commissions
Study to Understand the Cause and Effects of Sex Trafficking
[COLUMBUS,
OH] "I was sexually assaulted from the age of 4 to 12 by the man who I
thought was my father," said a young woman during a 2015 Public Safety
Hearing to discuss human trafficking. "Because he had betrayed me,
violated me and assaulted me for so many years, my perception of what love is,
what approval is and what boundaries are, was destroyed."
This
is one of many stories Council President Zach Klein has heard from women over the past
five years while serving as a member and now President of Columbus City
Council. As a result, Klein has commissioned study to understand sex
trafficking in the City.
"We
want to further explore connections between sex trafficking and drug addiction
to better understand this complex issue plaguing our neighborhoods," said
Klein. “The data provided in this study will help the City effectively use
existing resources in Columbus and provide these victims with the tools they
need to succeed."
Community
Resource Partners will conduct the study.
"This project
explores the human trafficking issue at a local level," said Community
Research Partners Director of Research and Data Services Megan Johanson.
"The final report will provide recommendations on the ways Columbus can
support human trafficking victims in recapturing their lives and building a
better future for themselves."
The
study focuses on the rate of sex trafficking in the City, the services and
support available, best practices and the best way to serve victims. It is
expected to take seven months.
"We
are fortunate to have advocates and service providers in Franklin County who
tirelessly fight on behalf of victims," Klein continued. "These
individuals and organizations need to have the best networks and resources
available as well."
Second
to drugs, human trafficking, which includes sex trafficking, is the fastest
growing criminal activity with an industry estimate of more than $150 billion
in revenue. It also destroys the lives of everyone involved.
Since
taking on his role as Council President, Klein has continued to look for
effective ways to combat sex trafficking.
In
2015, he authored Hotel/Motel code that created a licensing scheme that
provided an expedited process in addressing criminal activity, which could
include closing the establishment.
In
July 2016, President Klein appropriated $250,000 to Alvis, Inc. to renovate an
out-patient facility on E. Livingston Ave. (1289-1293 Livingston Ave). Its
support services include treatment for drug addiction and victims of human
trafficking.
An
estimated 1,078 America-born Ohio children will enter into sexual slavery this
year. There are another 3,000 who are at-risk.
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