Church reaches out to Ohio sex slaves

GREENVILLE, Ohio (WDTN) - A Greenville church recently held a fundraiser to help victims of human trafficking in Ohio. According to a study released by the state attorney general's office, about 1000 children are forced into sexual slavery each year in Ohio. Members of the EUM church in Greenville said they were alarmed at the numbers, and shocked to find out the problem was so close to home.

A group called Gracehaven House was trying to build a 10 bed shelter to help victims rescued by authorities. A pamphlet they put out to educate people and raise awareness read, "did you know that slavery still exists in Ohio."

Members of EUM Church held a silent auction fundraiser for the Gracehaven Shelter. Local business owners donated dozens of items for people to bid on.

Church spokeswoman Cindy Crawford encouraged people to contact their local congressman or woman and push for laws to protect victims of human trafficking.

"There are no anti-trafficking laws in Ohio, there are just a few states that there aren't any," said Crawford.

No laws, but there are plenty of victims. Experts said Ohio was prime recruiting ground for sex slaves. Most of the victims are girls in foster care or runaways. They are rescued by men who pretend to love them and be a boyfriend. Then they are abused and forced into sexual slavery.

"They start beating them, threaten them, tell them that law enforcement cannot help them, and they're just going to arrest them," said Katie Talbott, executive assistant at Gracehaven.

Because there are no laws to protect these children, Ohio treats these teenage sex slaves as delinquents. They are sent to jail and punished again by the law.

A study showed that 10-15 percent of children living on the streets, had been exposed to human trafficking. The average age of entry into prostitution was 12. The FBI ranked Toledo fourth in the nation for arrests and rescues of children forced into prostitution.

"These children need to be protected, not arrested," said Crawford.

That is why there was a desperate need for places like Gracehaven. In the shelter, women would have a place to sleep, get counseling, education, and learn life skills.

It would cost $1.5 million to operate through 2012. Dollar-by-dollar, money and awareness was being raised to help these young victims.

"I cannot believe that is happening here. I have no idea what that would be like. None," said Judy Shroyer, a Greenville resident who had just heard about the problem.

If you'd like to organize a fundraiser or donate money for Gracehaven you can visit their website at www.gracehavenhouse.org .