Reducing crime is focus of multi-faith event

Groups working to reduce human trafficking in central Ohio will host a summit Thursday to tell men how they can aid efforts to stop the purchase of sex.

The Salvation Army in Central Ohio and the Central Ohio Rescue and Restore Coalition have organized “Better Together,” a multifaith gathering from 1:30 to 7 p.m. at the Vineyard Columbus East, 333 Jericho Road in Pickerington.

The keynote speaker at the free event is Franklin County Municipal Court Judge Paul Herbert. He founded and presides over the Franklin County CATCH (Changing Actions To Change Habits) Court, a specialized docket where women charged with prostitution are treated as victims of human trafficking.

The summit’s main aim is to educate men on how they can lead the charge to end sex trafficking, the Salvation Army said. Herbert is to talk about ways the community can develop strategies to reduce demand for commercial sexual exploitation.

“It’s a family and neighborhood and community issue for all of us,” said Michelle Hannan, antihuman trafficking director at the Salvation Army and manager of the rescue and restore coalition. “And the simplest way to end sex trafficking is for there to be no buyers. It wouldn’t happen without demand.”

The local Salvation Army served 867 survivors of human trafficking last year. Its program conducts street outreach, provides case management and hosts a weekly drop-in center for exploited women called The Well.

Discussion of the problem is especially timely, Hannan said, in light of the #MeToo movement and the attention it has drawn to issues of exploitation.

Registration is required to attend the summit. Go to Eventbrite.com and search for the Better Together event.