Human Trafficking Is Happening Here, Now.

This month, we’re highlighting the power of collective action—from state budget advocacy to regional leadership infrastructure—to strengthen survivor-centered responses, shift systems, and prevent human trafficking in our communities. Thank you, advocates, survivors, and supporters—your voices made this possible. What started at Ohio’s first Human Trafficking Prevention Advocacy Day at the Statehouse in January, culminated with Governor Mike DeWine’s signature on Ohio’s FY26-27 budget in June. The Governor and the Ohio General Assembly responded with a significant commitment: $9 million in state funding to support human trafficking survivor services.

The recent headlines surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs (from trafficking allegations to shocking video footage, followed by no criminal conviction for human trafficking) have left the public confused, divided, and in some cases, dismissive. For those of us working every day to prevent human trafficking and support survivors, this moment is not about one man. It’s about what the public still doesn’t understand about what trafficking is and isn’t. 

Let’s be clear: Human trafficking doesn’t always look like what people imagine. More often, it looks like coercion — subtle, persistent, and psychological.

May was a big month for the Collaborative, Northeast Ohio’s anti-trafficking advocacy agency. On May 28, Kirsti Mouncey testified before the Ohio Senate Finance Committee. The president and CEO of the Collaborative joined other advocates and allies for survivors of human trafficking as they lobbied to preserve $4.5 million in state funding in Ohio’s 2025–2026 budget. This funding gained even greater significance due to cuts in federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funds and will ensure that essential services for survivors remain uninterrupted.