Hear from Verjine, Director of the Second Chance Project at the Ohio Justice and Policy Center
This exhibit would not have been possible without the generous support of survivors sharing their stories.
Sidewalk Soldiers
Hope, Help, Healing
Sidewalk Soldiers is a faith-based 501c3 nonprofit organization that serves survivors of human trafficking, individuals being exploited, and those at-risk for trafficking. We strive to take these individuals to safety and success one by one.
Khalila Riga
I have been a survivor and an advocate in the fight against human trafficking since 2013. Just like every survivor, I bring a unique, specific perspective on the issue and my personal story has influenced the work I do. I am passionate about helping others find freedom from human trafficking and believe that we all share a responsibility in the fight to do what we can to eradicate this and bring healing to those that are both free and still entrapped.
Eyes Open International
Eyes Open International is a non-profit group focused on combating human trafficking through empowerment.
We consult various levels of government and develop methods of cultivating resilience, hope, and freedom in vulnerable populations as well as organize and participate in talks, seminars, group discussions, and special events that promote human trafficking awareness and survivor-led methods.
Ohio Justice and Policy Center
OJPC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit law firm with offices in Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio. We fight for equal justice and fair treatment in all stages of incarceration, because every person deserves dignity after their conviction and freedom after their sentence.
We offer a spectrum of free legal services, programs, and resources for people in all communities who lack essential support as they navigate the complexities of our criminal legal system.
There are an estimated 21 million to 45 million people trapped in some form of slavery today. It’s sometimes called “Modern-Day Slavery” and sometimes “Human Trafficking." At all times it is slavery at its core.
Learn more about the six forms of enslavement as defined by End Slavery Now.
End Slavery Now launched in 2009 by Lauren Taylor in Washington, DC with four features: an action database, an organization directory, learning resources and store. By 2013, the organization outgrew its Washington, DC office, and its leaders knew it was time to find a larger home.
That fall, the organization moved to Cincinnati, Ohio - the former gatekeeper to the Underground Railroad - and joined the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Today, End Slavery Now is owned and operated by the Freedom Center as a part of its contemporary antislavery program. End Slavery now still operates three of the original tools (the Action Library, the Antislavery Directory and learning resources) and features many more.
Awareness is one of the biggest issues surrounding Human Trafficking because of its hidden nature—people don't know what to look for or they think it can't happen in their community. We hope through the Shine A Light experience, you have a better idea of how this crime can be hard to identify. End Slavery Now hosts an Action Library with tasks YOU can do. You don't need to be in social services, a police officer, or a lawyer to make a difference in the fight against human trafficking.
Find an organization near you if you'd like to volunteer or get involved.
1-888-373-7888 or text "HELP" or "INFO" to 233733
The National Human Trafficking Hotline by The Polaris Project operates a 24/7 hotline with specially trained Anti-Trafficking Hotline Advocates in case you or someone you know needs help. Support is offered in more than 200 languages.
To report a potential human trafficking situation, call the hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or submit a tip online here.