Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost intends to establish a state-only human trafficking hotline, which will forward all information received to the relevant criminal enforcement or social services authorities.
This comes after he and several state attorneys general, including Kentucky’s, attempted to persuade the national hotline agency to change its policies. This included sending a letter to Congress in March 2023.
“Human trafficking happens in the shadows, and without the eyes and ears of Ohioans to share information about what they see and hear, we’re fighting this battle with one hand tied behind our back,” Yost explained.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline has been operating for more than 15 years, beginning in December 2007. Polaris, a nonprofit service, only sends tips to law enforcement if the victim provides consent, if the report involves a minor, or if someone is in imminent danger.
No changes occurred following the letter to Congress. In a statement to Local 12, Polaris said that it is ready to assist Ohio in launching its new hotline but will maintain its current policy.
“Our protocols require that we put the safety of callers first and foremost when supporting callers in their times of need,” a release stated.
The organization also stated that a single national number makes more sense because it is available to everyone.
In 2023, the hotline received more than 30,000 calls or texts, roughly 7,400 of which came from victims or survivors. Polaris reported that law enforcement has already received approximately 30% of those tips. In 2023, there were 810 Ohioans, with 222 victims or survivors.