From our long-standing bird’s eye view of the cause She Has A Name is able to understand both the vastness of necessary resources and the complexity of individual organizations within central Ohio’s Anti-Human Trafficking ecosystem. We use that expertise to advocate at a legislative level for fair and just laws. You can join us through the steps listed below.

Why should I care about legislative advocacy?

Our elected representatives ultimately hope to serve their constituents through fair laws that seek appropriate justice. They do this best with the help of those they represent informing on gaps or loopholes in current laws, or the need for new laws entirely. By meeting with your elected officials, attending hearings on relevant issues and providing testimony during the deliberation process, you can speak for those unable to do so. Your legislators want to hear from you: your perspective, your ideas and your expertise in this area.

What is the intersection of human trafficking and legislation? 

Fair laws direct law enforcement and the criminal legal system on how to allocate limited resources and properly prosecute those accused of breaking the law. Shared Hope International has focused efforts on justice and advocacy since 2011. Their Report Cards on Child and Youth Sex Trafficking gave Ohio an “F” grade around issues such as criminal provisions, identification of and response to victims, prevention and training, and more. This analysis provides direction on how we can encourage legislators to protect victims, prosecute traffickers, and provide care for all those impacted.

How does SHAN participate in the legislative process?

We are continually learning more about the legislative process and how organizations and individuals can join this work. When asked we review drafts of new legislation and provide expert witness, written testimony and guidance through the process of a bill becoming a law. We occasionally meet with legislators to inform them on how human trafficking impacts their communities. We rally our network of partners in tandem with the Central Ohio Reach and Restore Coalition’s legislative subcommittee to raise support or provide constructive criticism for pieces of legislation. 

What are my next steps in participating in legislative advocacy?

1. Meet your elected officials by searching Ohio’s District Maps or using the My Reps database. 

2. Research what current bills are being discussed in relation to human trafficking at https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/ 

3. Join SHAN’s advocacy team or CORRC’s legislative subcommittee