State Senator Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo) and state Representative Tavia Galonski (D-Akron) will host the 10th annual Human Trafficking Awareness Day at the Ohio Statehouse on Thursday, February 28 beginning at 9 a.m.

“This is a historic year for Human Trafficking Awareness Day,” said Fedor. “A decade of advocacy and action has helped us address human trafficking in Ohio and set an example for the rest of the country. But there’s still work to be done. This event gives us a moment to come together, discuss challenges and develop solutions so we can finally end human trafficking once and for all.”

This year’s event will focus on how the opioid crisis has impacted and increased the risk of human trafficking. During the day, over 40 panelists, including human trafficking survivors, will discuss topics such as health care, social work and social services as well as law enforcement and legal services.

“I am so incredibly honored to be part of Human Trafficking Awareness Day again this year. Celebrating 10 years of sharing information, honoring survivors and connecting people with advocacy groups is an amazing accomplishment,” said Galonski.  “Still, there is so much work to be done. Senator Fedor and I will continue advocating for these survivors as we aim to eliminate this modern day slavery known as human trafficking. We cannot standby as women and children are being sold and exploited.”

The keynote address will be provided by Erik L. Bauer, an attorney from Washington who famously ended immunity for Backpage.com in a precedent-setting case. Bauer’s work is featured in the Netflix documentary I Am Jane Doe.

WHAT: 10th annual Human Trafficking Awareness Day