Human trafficking the focus of local event

NILES, Ohio (WKBN) – Multiple agencies hosted a human trafficking awareness and training event Friday at the Eastwood Event Centre.

Experts spoke about human trafficking and what it looks like locally.

A special agent from the Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) talked about how law enforcement navigates the web and social media when dealing with human trafficking.

Youngstown Municipal Court Judge Renee DiSalvo gave examples of human trafficking that happens here and how it is processed in court.

Victims also talked about their experiences.

“When we were able to hear what has really happened and the impact it has had on their lives, I think it brings a tremendously different direction and gives us an opportunity to put a face to something we talk about — sometimes almost too casually — during training,” said Susan Laird, an adjunct professor at Youngstown State University and human trafficking trainer.

In 2023, Ohio scored an “F” on the “Shared Hope International Report Card” for Child and Youth Sex Trafficking.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.