On Monday, January 25, 2016, the Ashland Center for
Nonviolence sponsored an event raising awareness of human trafficking, a practice best equated to modern-day slavery under which individuals are forced to work in the sex industry or as laborers for little to no pay.
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| Theresa Flores, human trafficking survivor |
Theresa Flores and
Jen Albert, both survivors of human trafficking and now soldiers in the fight
to stop sex trafficking, spoke on the importance of recognizing the signs,
spreading awareness, and knowing how to help.
Students entering the field of Criminal Justice will certainly face this issue, as human trafficking is now the second leading and fastest growing crime, according to Theresa Flores.
Professional Instructor of Criminal Justice, Marc Hedrick, adds:
“The Ohio the Attorney General’s Office recently said that
local law enforcement made more arrests for human trafficking and received more
tips about forced sex or labor crimes in 2015 as compared to 2014. While that
may sound depressing at first, it is also a good sign that law enforcement has
become more aware and started taking action against human trafficking. It is
also good that more people are becoming aware of something happening in the
United States that most people thought only happened in third world nations
these days.”
To further facilitate awareness, the Criminal Justice and
Religion programs will be revitalizing Ashland University’s Human Trafficking
Awareness Group (HTAG). For any students interested in joining the group, there will be an
informational meeting on February 9th at 3:30 in Rinehart 113. This is a great way to begin to get involved and
learn more about a modern day human atrocity that is occurring right here in
America. Contact Professor Dickson in the Religion Department at sdickso2@ashland.edu, with questions or for more information.
