To Seek Help in Ashtabula County, OH: Call or Text Chelsea Moretti at (440) 261-8690.

24/7 Crisis Hotline: Call 1-800-95-ABUSE.

Human trafficking is often perceived as a distant issue, something that happens in movies or large international hubs. However, the reality is much closer to home. In Ashtabula County, we are seeing human trafficking cases, and our community must understand what this looks like and how to help.

Recently, Christy Fisher from the Ashtabula County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board visited the local Human Trafficking Drop-In Center to sit down with Chelsea Moretti, a licensed social worker and Human Trafficking Advocate through Homesafe (Ashtabula County’s domestic violence shelter).

The Reality in Our Backyard

Since the program’s inception in June 2024, the numbers have been sobering. In a short period, the center has handled:

24 Initial phone calls
15 Active clients
22 Survivors of sex trafficking
2 Survivors of labor trafficking

The demographics show that trafficking does not discriminate. While the majority of survivors served have been women, the center has also supported male survivors and minors as young as 17. Victims come from diverse backgrounds, proving that no race or social status is immune.

What Does Human Trafficking Look Like?

To identify trafficking, look for the presence of three specific components: Force, Fraud, or Coercion.

Common Examples can be:
Force: Physical violence, restraint, or confinement.

Fraud: Child marriage, false offers of employment, or empty promises of a “better life.”

Coercion: Psychological abuse, threats against family members, or blackmail.

In Ashtabula County, sex trafficking is more prevalent than labor trafficking. It’s also important to note that trafficking has moved into the digital age. Sextortion and internet-based trafficking mean that some victims may never even physically meet their traffickers, yet they are still being exploited and controlled through the web.

Who is Being Trafficked?

At the beginning of the video, Christy asked: “Can you identify who is actively being trafficked?”

The answer is “all of the above.” Human trafficking can happen to anyone, your neighbor, a student, a coworker, or a friend. It hides in plain sight.

How You Can Help: Know the Signs

Combating trafficking starts with awareness. Look for these “identifiers” in the people around you:

  • Physical & Behavioral Changes: Drastic changes in personality or daily habits.
  • Emotional Withdrawal: A once outgoing person suddenly becomes isolated or “cut off” from the world.
  • Unusual Relationships: A child or teenager who has a much older “significant other.”
  • Digital Red Flags: Signs of sextortion or being controlled by someone they met online.

Resources and Support

If you or someone you know is in danger, help is available. All services provided through the Drop-In Center are 100% free and are never billed through insurance.

Available Support Includes:

  • Advocacy & Safety Planning: Professional guidance to navigate dangerous situations
  • Basic Needs & Case Management: Helping survivors get back on their feet.
  • Harm Reduction: Referrals, Narcan, and Fentanyl test strips.
  • Medical Care: Referrals and transportation to necessary healthcare.
  • Shelter & Legal Help: Access to emergency shelter, support groups, and court advocacy.

Take Action Today

We all have a role to play in keeping our community safe.

To Seek Help: Call or Text Chelsea Moretti at (440) 261-8690.

24/7 Crisis Hotline: Call 1-800-95-ABUSE.

Education: We offer FREE Human Trafficking 101 presentations for agencies, law enforcement, medical professionals, and community organizations.

Human trafficking is a heavy reality, but by staying informed and utilizing the resources available through the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force and Homesafe, we can be part of the solution.