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Many people in society don't realize how prevalent human trafficking actually is but it is happening all over the world and is even occurring right where we live, in Ohio. "About 1,000 American-born children are forced into the sex trade in Ohio every year and about 800 immigrants are sexually exploited and pushed into sweatshop-type jobs, a new report on human trafficking in the state said Wednesday" (Baldas). 

(Johnson, Alan, and Mike Wagner)

Hilliard 

       In 2010, Ashley Berner had just recently graduated from Hilliard Darby high school when she got involved in the human trafficking business. At only nineteen years old, she was introduced to a man, who became her "pimp". In the middle of the night, Ashley would be sold for sex to multiple men. She became trapped in this lifestyle. Her "pimp" would beat her and threaten her until she agreed to continue prostituting herself. Finally, one day police found Ashley and brought her home. She wanted out but she couldn't escape this man. Ashley is just another example of how easy it is for young girls to get involved in human trafficking, and also shows how dangerous this business can be. (Johnson, Alan, and Mike Wagner)

(Johnson, Alan, and Mike Wagner)

        Dear Mom,

I've been feeling very scared lately. If he is to ever find me he would kill me , and that scares me. I'm trying the best I can to stay strong. I just feel so weak inside. I know I'm safe where I'm at and all, but I feel like he is right over me and breathing down my neck. I don't like feeling this way, I hate it Mommy. I just need to hear your words of hope and love.

Love,

Ashley

Ohio Statistics 

"         "Toronto's airport is an arrival destination for international victims who are trafficked in Canada and transported to other cities, helping make Toledo, about 55 miles southwest of Windsor, Ontario, rank fourth in the U.S. in terms of arrests, investigations and rescue of domestic child-sex victims, the report said"(Study: Ohio at Center of Child Sex Trade).

·      "About 1,000 American-born children are forced into the sex trade in Ohio every year and about 800 immigrants are sexually exploited and pushed into sweatshop-type jobs, a new report on human trafficking in the state said Wednesday"(Study: Ohio at Center of Child Sex Trade).

·      "From 1990 to 2000, Ohio's foreign-born population increased 30 percent, and the state has a growing pool of legal and illegal immigrants who draw victims or hide victims, Williamson said. These networks are highly organized, with brothels fronting as legitimate businesses"(Study: Ohio at Center of Child Sex Trade).

Baldas, Tresa. "Human Trafficking Growing Almost As Fast As Drug Trade, Officials Say." Detroit Free Press. 22 Jan 2012: A.1. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 12 Mar 2012.

Study: Ohio at Center of Child Sex Trade." CBS News. N.p., 2010. Web. 16 Apr.

     2012. <http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-201_162-6196454.html>.

Johnson, Alan, and Mike Wagner. " A new word for prostitute: Victim." The 

     Columbus Dispatch. N.p., 2012. Web. 16 Apr. 2012.

     <http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2009/06/28/

     HUMAN_TRAFFIC.ART_ART_06-28-09_A1_FBEA90G.html>.