You can stream it on wkyc.com, our Facebook page or our YouTube channel.
Credit: Collaborative to End Human Trafficking
Author: Roselyn Muñiz
Updated: 7:11 PM EST January 28, 2021
CLEVELAND — WKYC Studios partnered with the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking for a panel discussion addressing the impact COVID-19 is having on human trafficking.
Experts say the pandemic is worsening what is already a troublingly prevalent crime in our state. According to the Polaris Project, which manages the national Human Trafficking Hotline,
Ohio comes in fifth in cases reported by state.
The coronavirus is adding complicated layers to the issue, as it causes economic hardships, sends more kids online to learn, and poses challenges in identifying victims and prosecuting perpetrators. All these factors lead to a disastrous reality: a high risk of individuals being exploited. The impact is felt by victims, survivors, organizations, law enforcement and health professionals.