The Ohio Turnpike is proud to join forces with our state partners to raise awareness about the growing crime of human trafficking.
While January is noted as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the turnpike commission throughout the year continues to support awareness and prevention initiatives, such as employee training, educational campaigns, outreach at our service plazas on Turnpike TV for the traveling public, and a new video that can be shared on all social media platforms.
In addition, to raise awareness about the issue and the victims who are transported on the state’s highway system, faculty from Bowling Green State University – Firelands College’s criminal justice program participated in our customer appreciation events, which were held at various service plazas last year.
While difficult to imagine, human trafficking occurs everywhere, even in small towns and communities. It is important to remain vigilant in helping to identify and stop it. There are ways to help. By simply being more aware and knowing some things to look for, it can be a life-saving opportunity.
To help identify red flags and suspicious activity, online resources are provided by the Ohio Turnpike and the Human Trafficking Task Force, of which the Ohio Turnpike is a member.
To get help or report a trafficking tip, call the 24-hour national hotline at (888) 373-7888, or text INFO or HELP to BEFREE (233733). This is a toll-free hotline with interpreters available. Both methods of communication can be done anonymously.
Most importantly, if you see something, say something. It’s better to report something and be wrong than to not report it and hope that you are wrong. If you think someone faces immediate harm, dial 911 or #677 when commuting on Ohio’s roadways.
Click here to view and share the Ohio Turnpike’s new video