COLUMBUS (WCMH)–It’s not something you expect to see at the Ohio State Fair — an area dedicated to raising awareness to human trafficking.
Modern-day slavery is a problem that a lot of people know nothing about.
“It’s hiding everywhere. Every corner. It’s spooky,” said Todd Brown.
Human trafficking is essentially people being sold for profit or for drugs.
“Blows my mind because I don’t have those thoughts. I can’t imagine somebody putting a kid though that or anybody at that matter,” said Brown. He has 4 kids. He brought his son through the exhibit at the Ohio State Fair known as the Freedom Drivers Project. It was put together by Ohio State Highway Patrol and Truckers Against Trafficking.
“I wanted him to see. I haven’t gotten to talk to him about it but wanted him to know its out there. Boys and girls. Evidently they are making money off of it,” said Brown.
“I guess I didn’t know that that was something that was going on,” said mother and teacher Nancy Lonsinger. She cringed as she watched victim accounts and looked at what traffickers do to keep hold of their victims.
“It’s sickening, very sickening. Just about the dog tags and tattoos to show ownership.”
According to Truckers against Trafficking, thousands of American kids are being trafficked each year.
Data from the International Labor Organization states 21 million people are sold into slavery worldwide.
Ohio is now the only state that requires truck drivers to be trained in recognizing human trafficking. This is something officers says is just one step towards finding hope for victims.
“Everyone is taking it seriously,” said captain Mike Crispen. “People are starting to realize this is more than prostitution .”
Just this week during the pre-fair a woman came forward saying she was a victim.
“Carnival people were setting up rides and maintenance was doing work and a young lady started asking for help,” said Lieutenant Marvin Hill.
He said officers pulled her away and she told them her story. “She was being trafficked and that this gentleman was forcing to do things and had been with this gentleman for about a year,” Hill said.
Troopers say this woman, or any victim coming forward, is rare.
“Because of the way the pimp will control them, the victims. They teach them to not trust law enforcement. Don’t trust the community. Everybody is bad…’I may be bad but they are worse,'” said Crispen.
It’s big events like the fair that make it a good chance for a victim to escape their attacker.
Deputy director of Truckers against Trafficking Kylla Lynaer says people tend to turn a blind eye to trafficking.
“It’s just devastating to know that ignorance has been a problem in this and people have suffered because of it,” she said.
But she has hope.
“You see these people who have suffered amazingly horrifying things and they are valiant, courageous and strong people.”
Now, one more woman has a chance to be just that.
“I’m just amazed that even at the Ohio State Fair someone had the courage to say something. This is what we need. For people to start seeing something and saying something,” said Melvin.
If you see something, or need help call 1(888) 373-7888 or 911.
