Sexual exploitation
The growing rates of sexual exploitation in Stark County are due in part to our prominent interstate system, sports facilities, strip clubs and hotel developments – common environments for this hidden crime. Victims are an average of just 13 years old when they enter “the life” and can be our friends, family or neighbors. Find resources to help combat sex trafficking in Northeast Ohio.
Report an emergency
If you witness or suspect sexual exploitation or another form of human trafficking, please report your concerns to local law enforcement right away.
Children’s Network of Stark County
Suite 200
Canton, OH 44702
COMPASS Rape Crisis
Canton, OH 44707
Hannah’s House 119
East Canton, OH 44730
HAVEN Program
Canton, OH 44708
Not For Sale Ohio
North Canton, OH 44720
Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force
Partners Against Trafficking of Humans Stark County
Suite 1150
Canton, OH 44702
RAHAB Ministries
- Canton (914 Sandal Place NE, Canton, OH 44703)
- North Canton (4350 Portage St., North Canton, OH 44720)
Canton, OH 44703
To report local cases of human trafficking, contact law enforcement near you:
Alliance Police Department
470 East Market St.Alliance, OH 44601
Canton Police Department
221 3rd St. SWCanton, OH 44702
Jackson Township Police Department
7383 Fulton Dr. NWMassillon, OH 44646
Massillon Police Department
2 James Duncan Plz.Massillon, OH 44646
Perry Township Police Department
622 Genoa Ave. SWMassillon, OH 44646
Stark County Sherriff’s Office
4500 Atlantic Blvd. NECanton, OH 44705
Forced Labor, Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
Statistics, news and resources collected by the International Labor Organization.
Human Trafficking Task Force Outreach Toolkit
Resources to support service providers and law enforcement as they help to combat human trafficking.
National Human Trafficking Hotline Resources
Learn the basics about human trafficking, find referral sources and download helpful education guides.
Polaris Project
Resources, legislation and information to help end human trafficking and support victims as they reclaim their freedom.
Sex Trafficking
Overview, statistics and resources from the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
Stark County Family Court
Supporting the rights of young people who have been affected by child labor, sexual exploitation or another form of human trafficking.
According to Mercy Medical Center, you should follow these steps to ensure you get the care you need after an assault:
- Contact HAVEN for immediate medical attention from the Mercy Emergency Department.
- Get to a safe space as soon as possible.
- In cases of sexual assault, try to avoid changing your clothes, bathing or brushing your teeth.
- Reach out for support from a trusted adult.
- Remember you have options.
- Request a medical forensic evaluation to address concerns related to the assault (even if you do not have any obvious injuries).
You can expect the following when you seek treatment through the HAVEN program at Mercy Medical Center:
- You will be moved to a private waiting room or medical treatment area as soon as possible.
- A doctor will perform an evaluation and provide treatment for any physical injuries.
- Evidence may be collected, including clothing, hair, blood, urine or other samples at no additional charge.
- Examiners will provide information about your care options and recommendations for safety planning.
- Medical staff will offer any medications or vaccinations needed, which may include prophylactic medications for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and HIV.
- Members of the clinical team will help you complete a Victim of Crime Compensation application.
- The nursing staff will talk to you about your rights as a victim of crime and connect you with local social service providers.