Cleveland Rape Crisis Center Plans to Open a Human Trafficking Drop-In Center August 31, 2020
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center today announced plans to open up a drop-in center in Glenville, a neighborhood located on the east side of Cleveland. The drop-in center, slated to open in early 2021, is designed to fill a gap in services for survivors of human trafficking.
Human trafficking is the second-largest criminal industry in the world, with more than $30 billion generated by the movement and trade of human beings. This facility will help address the two most common types of human trafficking – sex and labor.
The drop-in center will provide intensive onsite services to victims of human trafficking through the following programming:
- Basic Needs – clothing, hygiene and food
- Trauma Recovery – mental health counseling, victim advocacy, support groups, and case management
- Self-Sufficiency – workforce training, life and parent coaching
As a result of the trauma caused by traffickers, victims often face extraordinary barriers to access basic care.
“This drop-in center will provide a safe haven for human trafficking survivors, both youths and adults,” said Sondra Miller, president & CEO of Cleveland Rape Crisis Center. “Whether someone just needs to talk or wants to learn about victim advocacy services, the drop-in center will be available, at no cost, to the survivor. Regardless of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, income, ability, immigration status or religion, we’re here for you.”
The drop-in center is generously supported by a mix of private and public funding, including the Billie Howland Steffee Family Fund and the Office of Victims of Crime.
Ohio has ranked as high as fifth in the nation among all states in total reported human trafficking cases. Cleveland Rape Crisis Center operates the 24/7 Human Trafficking hotline in Northeast Ohio and is a lead service provider. Over the past four years, the Center has answered 767 hotline calls and provided crisis intervention, counseling and justice system advocacy to 1,248 people.
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About Cleveland Rape Crisis Center
The mission of Cleveland Rape Crisis Center is to support survivors of rape and sexual abuse, promote healing and prevention, and advocate for social change. In 2019, the Center provided counseling, advocacy and crisis intervention services to 10,000 rape and sexual abuse survivors and reached 50,000 people through its prevention, education and training programs in Cuyahoga, Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake counties. For more information, visit clevelandrapecrisis.org or call 216-619-6194. The Center’s 24-hour Crisis & Support Hotline is 216-619-6192 (call/text) or clevelandrapecrisis.org/chat.
Media Contact:
Nicolle Huffman
nicolleh@clevelandrcc.org