Human Trafficking

Often considered a form of modern slavery, human trafficking occurs when someone is sold for sex or labor, typically through coercion, fraud or force. It is the largest criminal enterprise in the world with a presence here in Stark County. Children, especially runaways, are at the greatest risk along with young people without close adult relationships and a history of truancy and/or substance use. Anyone can be affected by human trafficking. Often these violations are right in front of us – at nail salons, massage parlors, strip malls and sporting events – and we don’t recognize it.

Unfortunately, some of the things that make Stark County great also put us at risk. Our airport, interstate system, hotels, shopping centers and sports facilities are all popular destinations for human trafficking. To help combat this growing crime, it is important that we are all on the lookout for signs of human trafficking.