Combatting Trafficking in Cincinnati
National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, each January, brings attention to a crime that operates in the shadows but leaves devastating effects on individuals and communities.
In Cincinnati, One More Child’s Anti-Trafficking Mobile Team (ATMT) leads the fight against this exploitation with knowledge, compassion, and action.
On Jan. 14, 2025, officers from the Harrison Police Department attended a training session led by Danielle Davis, One More Child’s Director of Anti-Trafficking Mobile Response Teams. The session presented a stark yet crucial portrait of human trafficking in the region. Focusing on data, real-life examples, and practical tools, it sought to help officers identify trafficking cases, intervene effectively, and protect the community’s most vulnerable members.
Understanding Trafficking in Cincinnati
The training began with a review of trafficking statistics specific to the Cincinnati area, highlighting patterns that officers might encounter. Traffickers often exploit vulnerabilities such as poverty, unstable family environments, and the increasing use of technology by minors.
A particularly troubling trend discussed was the rise in reports of children being contacted by strangers online.
Social media platforms and apps, often considered harmless, have become tools for predators to manipulate minors into sharing explicit photos or videos. This spike in online predation underscores the urgency of equipping law enforcement and families with the knowledge to navigate these risks.
The Digital Threat
Technology is increasingly being used as a tool for trafficking, adding complexity to prevention efforts. Officers from the Harrison Police Department reported a rise in cases involving minors targeted online, further emphasizing the importance of this training. One More Child staff offered practical insights to aid in mitigating digital risks and taking proactive steps toward the protection of children.
While law enforcement plays a critical role, community partnerships are essential to address trafficking at its roots. Collaboration between organizations like One More Child and local police departments ensures that vulnerable children have a safety net of resources and support.
Empowering Law Enforcement
Human trafficking thrives on invisibility—One More Child’s training aimed to uncover the hidden signs of trafficking and empower officers to act. Using real-world scenarios, officers gained more in-depth knowledge of how traffickers recruit, control, and exploit their victims. Officers were also provided with actionable strategies to respond to suspected trafficking cases and connect survivors with critical resources to aid in their recovery.
The session also highlighted One More Child’s broader role in combating trafficking, from survivor support services to prevention programs and community education initiatives.
A Call to Action
National Human Trafficking Awareness Month serves as a reminder that the fight against exploitation is both urgent and ongoing. The Cincinnati training underscored this urgency and critical truth: with knowledge, resources, and collaboration, communities can take meaningful steps to combat trafficking and protect their most vulnerable members.
Each life this training touches represents progress in a battle where victories often come one step at a time. Real change is possible through efforts like this—one training, one officer, and one child at a time.