Human Trafficking Awareness Training: Safeguarding Youth

Safeguarding Youth: Understanding Human Trafficking, Consent & Prevention

FREE VIRTUAL TRAINING

Join The Collaborative to End Human Trafficking and Cleveland Rape Crisis Center for a critical conversation on January 23. Register today.

This virtual training builds understanding of human trafficking, consent, and youth vulnerability. Participants will learn how exploitation occurs, including force, fraud, coercion, and grooming, and why minors cannot legally or ethically consent. Using a trauma-informed, prevention-focused approach, participants will gain practical tools to recognize risk and respond in ways that prioritize youth safety and dignity.

Date: Friday, Jan 23, 2026, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Online event (Zoom.)
Cost: Free.
CEUs available for social workers, counselors, and marriage and family counselors.

Presenters:

Carolyn Arny, MA, CCLS, NADD-DDS
Director of Education & Training
Collaborative to End Human Trafficking

Jessica Martin, MSSA, LISW-S
Chief Program Officer, Client Rights Officer
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center

Register Today

Cleveland Rape Crisis Center’s offices will have the following reduced hours during the weeks of December 22 and 29, 2025. If you need support during these closures or at any time, please reach out to our Crisis & Support Hotline. Text or call (216) 619-6192 or (440) 423-2020 or chat online any time, day or night.

 

Ashtabula Office

Christmas Week

New Years Week

 

Clark-Fulton Office

Christmas Week

New Years Week

 

Mentor Office

Christmas Week

New Years Week

 

Shaker Office

Christmas Week

New Years Week

 

Human Trafficking Drop-in Center

Christmas Week

New Years Week

 

24/7 Crisis & Support Hotline

Survivors and their loved ones can reach out 24/7 for confidential support, resources, or information.

 

 

Today, we join our nation in remembering the tragic events of September 11, 2001. We honor the lives lost, the courage of the first responders, and the resilience of families and communities who continue to carry the weight of that day. This anniversary is always a tender moment in our collective history—a reminder of both the deep pain and the enduring strength of the human spirit. 

We also know that this year’s remembrance comes during a news cycle that has been especially heavy. The constant flow of difficult stories can be overwhelming and leave many feeling tired, anxious, or weighed down. These feelings are real and valid. At CRCC, we believe in the power of acknowledging that weight and extending compassion—to ourselves, to our neighbors, and to our communities. 

As we reflect on today’s anniversary and the broader challenges in the world around us, we hold space for both grief and hope. We stand with survivors, families, and all who are seeking moments of healing and light in difficult times. You are not alone. 

 

 

 

Need to talk?

We’re here to listen. Text/call (216) 619-6192 or (440) 423-2020 or chat online.

 

 

PRESS ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ashtabula Exterior Office

 

Powerful Collaboration for Survivors in Ashtabula County
Community Leaders & Advocates Unite to Strengthen Support for Survivors of Sexual Violence

WHAT:
On Thursday, September 4, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center will host a significant advocacy meeting in Ashtabula County, convened by the Ashtabula County Victims of Crime Office, which is a branch of the Ashtabula County Prosecutor’s Office. This gathering brings together survivor-serving agencies including CRCC, Home Safe, and the Child Advocacy Center of Ashtabula, marking a renewed commitment to coordinated, trauma-informed care for survivors across the region.

WHEN:
Thursday, September 4, 2025
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

WHERE:
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center – Ashtabula Office
5021 State Road
Ashtabula, OH 44004

WHY:
This meeting represents a powerful step forward in Ashtabula County, where collaborative systems for supporting survivors have been lacking. Prosecutor April Grabman is taking bold, meaningful action to convene those doing the work and ensure survivors are met with dignity, justice, and care.

MEDIA AVAILABILITY:

 

 

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About Cleveland Rape Crisis Center 

Cleveland Rape Crisis Center’s mission is to support survivors of rape and sexual abuse, promote healing and prevention, and advocate for social change. Our vision is the elimination of sexual violence. Each year, CRCC provides direct support and services to more than 10,000 survivors in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Ashtabula counties and reaches tens of thousands more community members with prevention and education programs. Our 24/7 crisis and support hotline is available to call or text at: (216) 619-6192, or visit clevelandrapecrisis.org to learn more. 

Media Contact: Kim Farkas | kimf@clevelandrcc.org

Confronting Systemic Barriers in Our Communities

The Ashtabula County and Lake County Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs) are proud to announce our 2025 SART Conferences. Join us September 12 at Kent State Ashtabula and September 19 at Lakeland Community College to hear expert presentations on topics relevant for law enforcement, medical professionals, social workers, educators, and more.

Ashtabula County SART Conference

Friday, September 12
Kent State Ashtabula

Lake County SART Conference

Friday, September 19
Lakeland Community College

Registration is closed. Thank you to all who attended the 2025 Ashtabula County and Lake County SART Conferences. 

Sponsorships

To learn about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Ave Warren Lowe, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center’s Regional SART Coordinator at (440) 665-1829 or avew@clevelandrcc.org.

Cleveland Rape Crisis Center Issues Statement in Response to the Sean “P. Diddy” Combs Verdict

At Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, our first commitment is to survivors of human trafficking and sexual violence. We believe survivors. We affirm that legal outcomes, while critical, do not invalidate survivors’ lived experiences.

This case illustrates deep systemic challenges survivors face—particularly when allegations involve fame, wealth, or power dynamics. Survivors may feel invisible when charges are downgraded or dismissed in court; that invisibility must end.

We are steadfast in our mission to support survivors regardless of legal outcomes. We offer trauma-informed care, advocacy, medical accompaniment, and crisis support every day. No verdict changes our work—and no judgment verdict negates what survivors endure or endure alone.

To survivors across Ohio and nationwide: you are seen. You are heard. You are believed. And you do not have to navigate this alone. Our services are confidential and survivor-led.

 

Need to talk?

We’re here to listen on our 24/7 Hotline. Text or call (216) 619-6192 or (440) 423-2020 or chat online.

 

 

The Call for Proposals Is Now Closed

On behalf of the Ashtabula County and Lake County Sexual Assault Response Teams (SART), we invite you to submit a proposal to present at one of the following:

This year’s theme: Confronting Systemic Barriers in Our Communities

Sexual violence affects people from all backgrounds and walks of life—it doesn’t discriminate. But the impact of trauma, access to services, and prevention education can vary across communities. Join us to discuss how we can confront barriers, support survivors, and reduce risk in our communities.

Examples of desired topics:

Target audiences: Medical professionals, law enforcement, prosecution, K-12 schools, college campuses, and other survivor-serving organizations.

Deadline for submission: Monday, July 28.

 

The Call for Proposals Is Now Closed

Thank you to all who submitted proposals to present! All proposals will receive a response soon. Please email Ave Warren Lowe, Regional SART Coordinator at avew@clevelandrcc.org with any questions.

 

Register Today

RSVP to attend the Lake and Ashtabula SART Conferences. Registration is free.

 

Yoga Class

A space for survivors to experience the healing benefits of Yoga. 

Cleveland Rape Crisis Center invites survivors of rape and sexual abuse to free community yoga classes led by Dana Perry Kirchoff, E-RYT.  This practice will allow students an opportunity to increase body awareness in support of greater physical, emotional and mental well being. 

Location:
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center
Clark-Fulton Office
2937 West 25th Street, 3rd Floor
Cleveland, OH 44113

Who can attend:
Survivors of rape, sexual abuse, or human trafficking ages 18+. Survivors ages 13-17 may attend with a participating parent/guardian. Registration is required.

 

Upcoming Classes

May:

Register (free)

 

June:

Register (free)

 

July:

Register (free)

 

August:

Register (free)

Please register for each class you plan to attend.

Space is limited. If you cannot make a your class, kindly update your RSVP on Eventbrite to allow another participant to attend. Thank you!

 


FAQs:

Are beginners welcome?
Yes! This is a beginner-friendly class, and all levels of yoga experience are welcome.

Can my teen attend this class?
Survivors aged 13-17 are welcome to attend WITH a parent/guardian. Please complete two registrations, one for the minor and one for the adult.

Do I need to bring anything?
Yoga mats and bolsters are provided for students to use during the class. You are welcome to bring your own, if you prefer. We recommend bringing a water bottle and wearing comfortable clothes that you can move around in.

Is this a CRCC support group?
No, this is not a clinical support group. If you are interested in a group, please visit our Support Groups page. For additional support or to learn about CRCC services, text or call (216) 619-6192 or (440) 423-2020.

Since this class is for survivors, will I have to talk about my story?
No. This is simply a yoga class designed for survivors. There will not be discussion time, and you will not be expected to talk about your experience.

About the Instructor:
Dana Perry Kirchoff, E-RYT has been practicing and teaching yoga for 20 years. She has trained in a variety of modalities and has learned from many amazing teachers over the years. Her most recent work has been focused on teaching yoga + mindfulness to kids ages K-8, as well as providing Trauma Informed Yoga classes for the community.