Human Trafficking training helps to educate citizens

Ohio ranks number four for the worst in the nation for Human Trafficking, putting Ohio behind California, Texas and Florida, according to data from the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

In 2016, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine reported 135 human trafficking investigations leading to 79 arrests and 28 successful criminal convictions.

Human Trafficking expert Teresa Merriweather is working to bring that number down by educating people on the signs of Human Trafficking.

On June 17, Merriweather held a Human Trafficking training to help educate citizens.

Since 2007, the National Human Trafficking Hotline took 5,070 calls and tracked 1,203 cases. This year, it has taken 1,352 calls and 375 cases have been reported.

Merriweather plays out skits to show people how to find signs of human trafficking.

Human trafficking is high in Ohio because of the interstate, Merriweather said.

“I do skits involving salons, restaurant buffets, social media and how young women are recruited,” she said. Salons are high for human trafficking, Merriweather said.

“I let people know what to look for in salons, like if the licenses are in English or another language and looking to see if there are mattresses when walking to the bathrooms,” she said.

With salons being so popular, Ohio Gov. John Kasich requires salon workers to be trained to watch for elusive behavior and dramatic makeovers.

Merriweather plans to train individuals all over the country, she said.

“I’m working to train juvenile probation officers, orthodontics, schools, young women and men, real estate agents. I’m working with city officials,” she said.

At the end of the training, Merriweather allows, if available, former victims to tell their story.

Prevention, helping women who are in human trafficking and healing them once they are out is what Merriweather strives on, she said.

There will be another Human Trafficking Training 2-4 p.m., July 30, sponsered by Cobos Insurance Center.

For more information, contact Teresa Merriweather at 502-804-6273 or Contact Cobos at 440324-3732.

KHADIJA SMITH — MORNING JOURNAL Human trafficking expert Teresa Merriweather and Elyria Ward 2 Councilwoman Brenda Davis stand in front of Cobos Insurance Center, 41436 Griswold Road, June 18.