COLUMBUS, Ohio—Federal, state, and local officials launched what they say is the largest anti-human-trafficking operation in state history last week, rescuing 154 victims and arresting 179 men for illegally soliciting sex and other crimes.
During Operation Autumn Hope, which involved more than 50 law enforcement agencies and social-service organizations, state and local authorities cracked down on adult sex trafficking in Cuyahoga, Franklin, and Lucas counties, as well as people soliciting sex with children in Franklin and Mahoning counties. The U.S. Marshals Service, meanwhile, focused on saving child sex victims in Southern Ohio.
During the operation, 109 human-trafficking survivors – all women and mostly adults – were found and referred to social services in Cuyahoga, Franklin, and Lucas counties, according to a release from Attorney General Dave Yost’s office.
Simultaneously, 76 cases of missing and exploited children were cleared up, and 45 children were physically rescued, the release stated. One of the missing children was a 15-year-old Cleveland girl linked to an individual in Columbus suspected of human trafficking, the release stated.
Authorities arrested a total of 157 men in Cuyahoga, Franklin and Lucas counties on charges of soliciting and other crimes, according to Yost’s office. An additional 22 men in Franklin and Mahoning counties have been charged with felony crimes related to attempting to have sex with a minor.
The operation had been planned for several months prior to it being put into action, according to Yost spokesman Steve Irwin.
“The success of Operation Autumn Hope is measured not only in the number of arrests but in the lives that were rescued from this evil,” Yost said. “Every agency on this team looks for the day when no person is bought and sold in Ohio. Don’t buy sex in Ohio!”
Sondra Miller, president and CEO of the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, said during an online news conference that the operation has given hope to sex trafficking survivors.
“It is very likely that you prevented many others from being harmed in unimaginable ways,” Miller said. “Human trafficking thrives in the shadows of our communities where survivors feel unseen and unheard, and the COVID pandemic has made those shadows bigger and darker, making far too many women, children, and men fall prey.”
Have questions or need support?
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center is here for survivors of trafficking and anyone looking for support or information. Call the 24-Hour Project STAR Hotline: 855-431-STAR (7827).
By: Sondra Miller, President and CEO of Cleveland Rape Crisis Center and Melissa Graves, Chief Executive Officer of Journey Center for Safety and Healing (formerly Domestic Violence & Child Advocacy Center)
It just doesn’t add up.
Across our region, survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking are reaching out for help more than ever before.
A global pandemic quarantined women and children with their abusers. The subsequent economic crisis and the record unemployment rate has made more people more vulnerable to predators looking to exploit their bodies for personal gain.
At Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, the number of hotline calls has more than doubled in recent years, and the Journey Center for Safety and Healing (formerly Domestic Violence & Child Advocacy Center) has seen a surge in need for support, advocacy and shelter.
Our community has worked hard over decades to bring violence, abuse and trafficking out of the shadows and into the spotlight. Our efforts to prevent violence are gaining traction. Now is the time to reinforce, not dismantle, these critical services.
So why, then, over the course of several months are we quietly defunding services to survivors and the agencies who support them?
We need your help to support survivors on their journey to health, safety and healing.
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, an organization dedicated to providing direct services to survivors of rape and sexual abuse, is pleased to announce the opening of its new Clark-Fulton Office inside the Astrup Building, located at 2937 West 25th Street, 2nd Floor, Cleveland, OH 44113.
This office will allow Cleveland Rape Crisis Center to better serve residents of Cleveland and the surrounding areas, including Latinx survivors.
“We chose Clark-Fulton because this neighborhood is home to the densest population of Hispanic and Latinx residents in Ohio,” said Miller. “We want all survivors to know that we believe them, and we are here for them. Survivors of rape, sexual abuse and human trafficking deserve access to high-quality healing services close to where they live and work.”
The Astrup Building is located around the corner from where Gina DeJesus, Amanda Berry and Michelle Knight were held captive for years.
“This neighborhood has a history that we never want to forget, but Cleveland Rape Crisis Center also wants to be a part of its strong future,” said Sondra Miller, President & CEO of Cleveland Rape Crisis Center. “The Clark-Fulton neighborhood is vibrant and diverse, and we believe we have the opportunity to make a real impact in this community.”
The following services are available to survivors, at no cost:
All services are available regardless of immigration status or whether a survivor reports their assault or abuse to law enforcement. Many services are also offered in Spanish.
Nearly 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men in the U.S. have been raped at some time in their lives[i]. Rape is one of the most under-reported crimes, with nearly two-thirds of rapes never reported, and only 12 percent of child sexual abuse reported to authorities[ii].
The new office location is made possible by funding from The Elisabeth Severance Prentiss Foundation, the Cuyahoga County Department of Public Safety and Justice, and others.
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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.
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:
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
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Calls to a 24-hour hotline for human trafficking survivors at the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center are down 50-percent for the first half of 2020 after years of climbing.
Advocates believe it’s all tied to the pandemic.
19 Investigates found they fear survivors may not be getting the help they need.
Human trafficking is one of the fastest growing criminal industries in the world.
Ohio has ranked as high as fifth among all states in total reported human trafficking cases.
“The more people are aware of trafficking, have an understanding, the more individuals are able to be identified,” said Teresa Stafford, Chief Advocacy Officer with the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center.
Have questions or need support?
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center is here for survivors of trafficking and anyone looking for support or information. Call the 24-Hour Project STAR Hotline: 855-431-STAR (7827).
During the past few weeks, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center’s Virtual Ambassador Training Workshops have seen a huge spike in interest and enrollment. Thank you all who have participated in workshops this summer, and to Cleveland 19 News for covering this story.
Reserve your spot now! August Ambassador Training Workshops have reached capacity, and only a few spots remain in the September trainings.
We hope you will join us as an ally in the movement to end sexual violence and equip yourself with the skills you need to support survivors in your life.
Click here to see upcoming dates and RSVP today.
We are holding space for the voices that need to be heard.
Survivors of rape, sexual abuse and sex trafficking share their pain and suffering with us every day. Many are now expressing their heartbreak, grief, rage and fear over the murder of George Floyd and countless other Black Americans. Survivors are telling us about the toll that being Black in America takes on their ability to be healthy and safe. They are reminding us of the compounding effects of sexual trauma, intersecting with racial trauma, in their daily lives.
The Black community is telling us that you are tired. You are telling us that we have not been using our power and privilege in a way that promotes safety and healing for all.
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center is listening. And we are called upon to act.
We condemn racism. We condemn police brutality. We condemn each and every form of violence.
We accept the magnitude of both the challenge and the responsibility to dismantle white supremacy through our words, choices and actions. We invite members of our community, especially those who hold privileged identities, to join us in this work.
We accept that our vision – to eradicate sexual violence – can only truly be achieved when we end racism and all forms of oppression. We can all play a role in creating a community free of violence and oppression.
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center will keep listening. We will continue to hold space for the voices that need to be heard. We will continue to speak and act in ways that honor our commitment to all survivors.
Black Lives Matter.
If you or a loved one have experienced rape or sexual abuse, no matter how long ago, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center is here for you during COVID-19.
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center’s counseling, victim assistance, and case management services are available remotely via telehealth and teleservices, as well as in person.
In-person counseling, advocacy and case management services are available by appointment at our Clark-Fulton Office, Mentor Office, Shaker Square Office, and Ashtabula Office.
Counseling, victim assistance and case management are available by telehealth and teleservices, accessible by smart phone, computer or phone. Learn more about accessing services remotely.
At Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, our first priority is the health and safety of our clients. We are taking every possible precaution to keep you safe when you visit Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, including:
Clients, guests and visitors are expected to maintain physical distancing of at least six feet. Please practice good hygiene, including thorough hand-washing and avoiding touching your face. Please eliminate direct contact with others and avoid touching surfaces touched by others, to the extent feasible.
We want to make sure you can access the support you need – whether it’s in person, via telehealth, a phone call, or text. Support and healing are just a text or phone call away.
Make an appointment today for telehealth, remote, or in-person services. Call (216) 619-6192 or (440) 423-2020 24/7, or request an appointment online.
Si usted o un ser querido ha sufrido una violación o abuso sexual, sin importar hace cuánto ocurrió, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center está aquí para ayudarle durante la COVID-19.
Los servicios de psicoterapia, asistencia a las víctimas y gestión de casos de Cleveland Rape Crisis Center están disponibles de manera remota por medio de la telemedicina y los teleservicios, como así también en persona.
Los servicios de psicoterapia, asistencia a las víctimas y gestión de casos en persona están disponibles previa cita en la oficina de Clark-Fulton, en la oficina de Mentor, y la oficina de Shaker Square.
Los servicios de psicoterapia, asistencia a las víctimas y gestión de casos se encuentran disponibles por medio de la telemedicina y los teleservicios a los cuales se puede acceder por teléfono móvil inteligente, computadora o teléfono fijo.
En Cleveland Rape Crisis Center nuestra máxima prioridad es la salud y la seguridad de nuestros clientes. Estamos tomando todas las precauciones posibles para preservar su seguridad cuando visite Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, entre las que se incluyen:
Los clientes y visitantes deben mantener el distanciamiento físico de por lo menos seis pies (2 metros). Por favor, mantenga buenos hábitos de higiene que incluyan lavarse las manos correctamente y evitar tocarse la cara. No entre en contacto directo con otros y evite tocar superficies que otras personas hayan tocado, en la medida posible.
Queremos garantizarle el acceso a la asistencia que necesite, ya sea en persona, a través de la telemedicina, por llamado telefónico o mensaje de texto. Puede obtener asistencia y sanación con solo una llamada telefónica o mensaje de texto.
Programe una cita hoy mismo para recibir servicios de telemedicina, remotos o en persona. Llame al (216) 619-6194, número interno 145 y deje un mensaje, póngase en contacto con la línea de asistencia (en inglés – (216) 619-6192), o solicite una cita en línea.
