Ohio demonstrates its commitment to combat human trafficking by appointing Kelli Cary to a key position.
As their new director, Cary brings valuable experience in supporting and providing services to victims on their path to healing to the anti-trafficking task force.
“I’m excited to be in this position so that I can best serve survivors and also systems of care. I’ve worked directly with survivors over the years in clinical and advocacy settings. And I think that experience not only working directly with survivors, but also nonprofits and supervising programs, we get to hear directly from survivors themselves that have this lived experience on what the gaps are and how we can make progress in supporting their healing journey.” Kelli Cary | State of Ohio Anti-Trafficking Director
According to her, Governor Mike Dewine’s recent investment of $9 million to the task force has greatly helped Ohio in responding to the issue and achieving significant progress.
“The $9 million investment from Governor DeWine’s administration can be used for prevention, as well as supporting survivors, supporting victims, service agencies and prosecution. So, we are trying to tackle human trafficking from that multidisciplinary approach. And a lot of the funding is going directly into the victim service agencies to provide critical resources to survivors.” Kelli Cary | State of Ohio Anti-Trafficking Director
Many people believe that human trafficking involves strangers abducting victims. However, this is actually a common misconception.
According to Cary, human trafficking occurs within the framework of interpersonal relationships. He further acknowledges that a considerable number of traffickers are familiar with their victims and maintain a trusting association with them.
Cary expressed her desire to enhance the ties between the anti-trafficking task force and other organizations across the state. She aims to strengthen their working relationship to combat trafficking effectively.
According to her, the key to facilitating change is collaboration among law enforcement, government agencies, victim services, and community members. This collaborative effort is essential to support a victim’s healing journey and effectively prevent any future incidents of human trafficking.