Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced Wednesday details of a new program to help victim service agencies supply the needs of survivors of human trafficking.
DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly established the new Direct Services for Victims of Human Trafficking Grant Program as a component of the state’s new operating budget. As part of this program, nonprofit groups now have access to $4 million in financing to effectively support the rising number of sex and labor trafficking victims needing assistance.
According to DeWine, this grant program helps ensure that trafficking victims have the support and resources they need.
“As awareness of human trafficking grows, the number of identified victims also increases, so it is absolutely critical that our local service programs have enough resources. This infusion of grant funding will help ensure that support for trafficking victims is widely available,” DeWine said.
The Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) opened the application period for the grant program on Wednesday. According to the press release, mental health care, drug abuse disorder treatment, help for education and work, and residential placement are just a few of the direct services that qualify for financing. DeWine said he expects the OCJS to announce awards in January 2024.
Ohio’s new operating budget allotted $9 million for fighting human trafficking. The Governor’s Human Trafficking Task Force, which stresses a holistic strategy for responding to human trafficking by identifying gaps in prevention, victim services, and prosecution, will also be expanded with the aid of this historic investment, which will also be put to use for additional local and statewide programs.
According to state anti-trafficking coordinator for the governor’s Human Trafficking Task Force, Maria Busch, this investment will ensure survivors can take back control of their lives.
“We appreciate Governor DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly for recognizing the need for expanded victim services throughout the state. Those who’ve been subject to human trafficking have unique needs and often require several levels of support to move forward, and this investment will make a significant difference in helping survivors take back control of their lives,” Busch said.
Grant funding will be available to nonprofit groups that directly assist trafficking victims and/or individuals who are thought to be at high risk of becoming victims. Applicants who demonstrate evidence-based and survivor-informed programming will receive priority consideration.
By November 8th, applicants must submit their proposals electronically via the Online Grants Management System.
This is the latest investment Ohio has made in supporting victims of human trafficking. As previously reported by The Ohio Star, the attorney general’s Human Trafficking Commission launched the Human Trafficking Victim Services Directory, which contains Ohio-based services and resources available for human trafficking victims in July.
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Hannah Poling is a lead reporter at The Ohio Star, The Star News Network, The Arizona Sun Times, and The Tennessee Star. Follow Hannah on Twitter @HannahPoling1. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “Mike DeWine” by Mike DeWine.
