Human Trafficking Awareness Month
Human trafficking is a global and local issue that affects millions of people every year. It involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit individuals for labor or commercial sex. Human trafficking is a widespread crime, affecting an estimated 27.6 million people worldwide—including adults and children in our own communities. Ohio has experienced a significant impact because of human trafficking and is nationally recognized as number 5 for most reported cases of human trafficking across the United States. This crime knows no boundaries, impacting people across all races, genders, and socioeconomic statuses.
Human trafficking is included under the umbrella term ‘modern-day slavery’, where victims cannot leave a situation of exploitation and are controlled by threats, punishment, violence, coercion or deception.
As we recognize Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention Month, The Cocoon is proud to focus on the 2025 theme: “Connecting the Dots.” This theme emphasizes the need to understand how human trafficking intersects with issues like domestic violence, sexual assault, homelessness, and economic inequality—and how education and prevention are key to breaking the cycle.
The intersections of trafficking with poverty, racial inequity, and lack of access to resources cannot be overlooked – nor is it coincidental. Marginalized communities, especially Black and Indigenous women and girls, LGBTQ+ youth, and undocumented individuals, are disproportionately affected. According to 2022 findings from by the U.S Department of Justice, 40% of all human trafficking survivors are Black with more than 70% of these reported cases not being prosecuted.
In October 2024, Ohio made headway in attempting to increase accessibility with the creation of a state-wide human trafficking hotline. There is already a national hotline, but this effort is to create more accessible and timelier responses to human trafficking survivors reaching out for immediate assistance in Ohio. This tool has already become an aid in the work The Cocoon is doing with creating more avenues for survivors to get connected to advocacy and safe emergency services.
Stalking: No Longer A Silent Epidemic
According to the Stalking Prevention and Action Resources Center (SPARC), stalking impacts an estimated 13.5 million people in the United States each year. With access to the most recent statistics, we are seeing a significant increase in the frequency and severity of stalking. The 2023 findings from SPARC show us that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men will experience stalking in their lifetime.
Stalking isn’t just persistent – it’s pervasive and dangerous. On average, 76% of survivors know their stalker, and stalking is often linked to other forms of violence, including domestic violence and sexual assault. Stalking victimization is one of the strongest predictors of lethality, with individuals being five times more likely to face homicide within the first two years of experiencing stalking.
Stalking is dangerous and frequently overlooked, especially on college campuses, where it was recognized as a national epidemic in 2023. With data showing that 1 in 5 college women and 1 in 16 college men experience stalking during their academic careers. Students experiencing stalking face incredibly challenging impacts from stalking including lower grades, increased risk of substance use, and are 3x more likely to drop out of college than their peers.
Pop culture often romanticizes stalking, depicting it as an act of passion or devotion. But stalking is a serious crime rooted in a desire for power and control. It is our responsibility to continue to be aware of the risk factors and tools for appropriate interventions.
At The Cocoon, we are committed to ending violence in all its forms. This January, we reaffirm our dedication to empowering survivors, educating the public, and advocating for systemic change. Together, we can create safer, more equitable communities for all.
We Are Here to Help
If you or someone you know is experiencing human trafficking or stalking, reach out to us at 419-373-1730, option 2, for support. Your voice matters, and your safety is our top priority.
