COLUMBUS, Ohio – On National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost highlighted the strides made in 2024 to combat human trafficking across the state while stressing the importance of continued vigilance.
“Awareness is critical in educating the public that human trafficking happens anywhere and everywhere,” Yost said. “We’ve been focusing on demand reduction because without a buyer there is no human trafficking.”
Observed each year on January 11, the day—also known as Wear Blue Day—encourages advocates to wear blue and share photos on social media with the hashtag #WearBlueDay to show support for the fight against trafficking. For Yost’s office, it also marks a time to review progress and set future goals.
2024 Achievements in Combating Human Trafficking
Yost’s Human Trafficking Initiative (HTI) accomplished several significant milestones in 2024. Among them was the launch of Ohio’s first statewide human trafficking hotline, 844-END-OHHT (844-363-6448). Announced during the fifth annual Human Trafficking Summit in August, the hotline accepts tips about suspected trafficking and directs them to law enforcement or other experts equipped to handle such cases.
Other notable efforts included:
- Conducting more than 45 training sessions tailored to different audiences across Ohio.
- Creating specialized resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, focusing on personal safety, healthy relationships, and preventing exploitation.
- Producing educational materials to raise awareness of human trafficking among adults and young people.
- Advocating for and securing the passage of Senate Bill 214, which enhances opportunities for survivors of human trafficking to rebuild their lives and move forward.
Ongoing Commitment
“The fight is far from over,” Yost said. “But we’re making meaningful strides every day.”
Yost’s office continues to work with law enforcement, advocacy organizations, and communities to address human trafficking, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and awareness to tackle the issue effectively.
