Introduction:

Since 2000, there have been numerous State efforts to combat human trafficking following National and International efforts. While most states have been trying to combat the issue, there have been large differences in the scope, variety and impact of these efforts by different states.  Ohio has been one of the more effective and forward-thinking states regarding human trafficking awareness. According to Ranade Janis, the former anti-trafficking coordinator for the state of Ohio,

“Ohio’s progress in combating trafficking is both exciting and sobering, more victims have access to justice, and more offenders are being punished because of a strong state response, a committed network of victim service providers and survivor advocates, and trained law enforcement. But this means more victims continue to emerge from the shadows of exploitation, more intensive law enforcement investigations are necessary to lock up traffickers, and more trauma-informed care is necessary to help survivors rebuild their lives.” (1)

Since the creation of the Governor’s Task Force, education seems to be seen as one of the best way to combat the issue. This includes mandated training on human trafficking for a variety of professionals. (2)

Ohio Laws on Education in Schools on Trafficking:

For example, according to a report on the education of teachers (key influencers) and students (3), in Ohio, prevention education training sessions for professionals such as teachers, counselors and nurses are state mandated. In June of 2013, the Ohio House passed Substitute House Bill 59, adding human trafficking to the required topics to be covered during the four-hour in-service training before the start of the school year. The law states:

Continue reading Overview of Human Trafficking Preventative Education in Ohio Schools →

Introduction:

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, there have been efforts in Kazakhstan to:

             a) return to tradition and leave the practices of the Soviet Union in the past and

             b) to modernize the legal, political and economic systems of the country.

These two distinct efforts do not always mesh well together. The efforts to return to traditional ‘Kazakh’ practices often chafe against certain human rights practices, including women’s rights. Within the past 30 years, perceived traditional marriage practices, such bride abductions (also known as bride kidnappings), have returned to certain parts of Kazakhstan. These specific marriage practices are a prime example of the inconsistencies and moral and cultural dilemmas that occur while pursuing the two above goals. Continue reading Bride Abductions in Kazakhstan and Human Trafficking Discourse: Tradition vs Moral Acuity →