6 Powerful Takeaways: How the Freedom Team Took On the Ohio Attorney General 2024 Human Trafficking Summit | Freedom A La Cart

Attending the yearly OAG 2024 Human Trafficking Summit was not only an educational experience —it was a profound journey that deepened our commitment to combating human trafficking and supporting survivors. As we gathered with other passionate advocates and experts, we were immersed in powerful discussions, innovative workshops, and an inspiring keynote address. Each session armed us with fresh perspectives and practical strategies to combat human trafficking and support survivors. We’re excited to share our insights and experiences from the summit, which left us feeling inspired.

Takeaway #1: Transforming Triggers into Cues – Kenzie 

One of my favorite moments was exploring the concept of turning triggers into cues in the session “Surviving to Thriving” with Rachel Socorro. Imagine seeing overwhelming moments not as a threat but as a signal you can control. When you view these cues as signals, you regain control and can respond to them. On the other hand, if you see them as triggers, you tend to react, and they often overwhelm you. By shifting your mindset and identifying potential triggers as cues, you reclaim that control because they become an alarm, an alert, and an opportunity for awareness with the ability to deactivate them. This approach can be applied in everyday life and can help individuals feel empowered and in charge of their lives.

Takeaway #2: The Game-Changing Impact of Resources and Support – Devin

The “Should I Stay or Should I Go” simulation was a powerful reminder of how limited resources can drastically impact a young person’s life, making them vulnerable to trafficking. This session, led by Veronica Scherbauer and Rebekkah O’Bryan from the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Office of Criminal Justice Services, was an engaging and interactive simulation. We had to make choices as if we were a 15 year old girl with very limited resources and extremely vulnerable. Examples they provided us were to stay in a home where you were being sexually assaulted by your uncle, live unhoused, have sex with a stranger for money, or move back in with your abusive boyfriend who was really your trafficker. It was very eye-opening to see how small your world would be when support is limited and resources are nonexistent. I appreciated the simulation aspect as a different way of educating.

Takeaway #3:  The Power of Connection and Community for Creating Change – Nicki

“Saving Their Own Lives: Centering Survivors in Navigating the Continuum of Care,” led by Gwen England of Franklin County Municipal Court’s CATCH Court Program and Hannah Estabrook of Sanctuary Night, was a deeply impactful experience. I was honored to be part of our Columbus connection, contributing to the anti-trafficking efforts in Central Ohio. The session underscored the significant impact of the organizations involved and our collective awareness of the needs of survivors. The emphasis on connection and community by our panelists was a powerful reminder of the positive change we are making. The collaboration between CATCH Court, Sanctuary Night, and Freedom a la Cart provides women a safe and nurturing space to help themselves. Our continued support, connection, and love make this possible.

Takeaway #4: Guiding Survivors Toward Freedom from Abuse – Karla

I had the opportunity to attend the session “Saving Their Own Lives: Centering Survivors in Navigating the Continuum of Care.” The session shed light on the crucial role of peer support in assisting survivors on their journey towards recovery and self-sustainability. I was particularly inspired by the success of CATCH Court and Sanctuary Night in providing ongoing support to survivors even after they graduate from the CATCH program. CATCH Court, which stands for Creating Autonomy Through Collaborative Healing, focuses on empowering survivors to make positive choices for themselves to break the cycle of abuse through counseling, resources, and support. On the other hand, Sanctuary Night works hand in hand with CATCH Court to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals who have fallen back into harmful cycles, offering them the support needed to get back on track. It’s heartening to see such programs aiming to reduce criminal activity stemming from abusive environments and guiding survivors towards a path of freedom from abuse.

Takeaway #5: Measuring and Leveraging Hope for Improving Health and Future – Amanda

I attended a session titled “Hope Rising: How the Science of Hope Can Change Your Life”, led by Laura Kaiser and Ruth Downing from the Forensic Nursing Network. One key point I took away from this session is that hope can be measured and used to improve the health and future of individuals. It was emphasized that those with a high ACE score can change the odds if they also have a high hope score. An ACE score is a measure of adversity experienced during childhood, including abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, and it can have long-term impacts on health and well-being. Equally important, it was highlighted that providing trauma-informed support to individuals at all stages of being a sex trafficking survivor is crucial. This support has and will continue to make a significant difference in how well survivors can be helped, and it’s a testament to our collective compassion and understanding.

Takeaway #6: Challenging Assumptions About Human Trafficking – Mickey

The first session I attended was “From Surviving to Thriving”, and our speaker talked about her experience in an arranged marriage, a situation I had never considered as trafficking. Her emphasis on a holistic approach, asking survivors, ‘What do you need?’ rather than assuming, was enlightening. It has put me on high alert to look for less obvious indicators of human trafficking. I now have a new perspective, and it has significantly broadened my understanding of human trafficking. 

The OAG 2024 Human Trafficking Summit provided a platform for meaningful conversations, inspiring stories, and actionable strategies to combat human trafficking and support survivors. As we reflect on the insights and experiences shared at the summit, we are inspired and equipped with new ideas and perspectives to continue our efforts in the fight against human trafficking. 

At the summit, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost made a significant announcement that empowers us all—a new statewide human trafficking hotline. This hotline, soon to be operational under the number 844-END-OHHT, is a crucial resource for reporting and preventing human trafficking. 

This powerful gathering of advocates and experts has reaffirmed our unwavering commitment to making a difference in our communities and supporting those affected by human trafficking. As we move forward, we are more determined than ever to apply these lessons, take proactive steps, and create a safer, more supportive environment for survivors.  Together, we can make a meaningful impact and continue the fight against human trafficking, instilling confidence and reassurance in our collective effort.