COLUMBUS, Ohio — It can affect kids no matter where they live or what their socioeconomic background happens to be, and one nonprofit is helping arm teachers with the tools to spot possible signs of sex trafficking in their students. 

What You Need To Know

  • Gracehaven is a nonprofit that works with children between the ages of 11 and 19 who are victims of sex trafficking or at risk of becoming victims 

  • The organization hosted the Columbus Educators Human Trafficking Awareness Summit Wednesday to help raise awareness among teachers and other community members about the prevalence of sex trafficking 

  • If you suspect someone you know is a victim of sex trafficking, call 911 if it is urgent or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888

Gracehaven welcomed about 50 people to the first Columbus Educators Human Trafficking Awareness Summit Wednesday at Franklinton Prep High School. The organization works with children between the ages of 11 and 19 who are victims of sex trafficking or at risk of becoming victims.

The event’s keynote speaker was U.S. Attorney Kenneth Parker, who serves the 48 counties in the state’s southern district. Parker said there are several signs that could indicate a child is being sex trafficked, including depression, isolation, homelessness, rapid emotional swings and frequent school absences. 

If you suspect someone you know is a victim of sex trafficking, call 911 if it’s urgent or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888.