Enhancing the Scope of Holistic Legal Services for Human Trafficking Victims in Ohio and Tennessee

The goal of the FY 2020 Services for Victims of Human Trafficking Programs is to enhance the quality and quantity of services available to victims of human trafficking, as defined by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, as amended. Funding through this program supports direct services to victims of sex trafficking and labor trafficking, as well as for efforts to increase the capacity of communities to respond to human trafficking through the development of interagency partnerships, professional training, and public awareness activities over a three-year project period. Advocating Opportunity, Inc. will enhance services for human trafficking victims by providing trauma-responsive, holistic legal services for victims of trafficking in Ohio and Tennessee, with a focus on Lucas and Davidson counties and the flexibility to provide services in other areas of Ohio and Tennessee where none exist and/or where a victim may have relocated. The project will provide services to all victims of human trafficking. Recognizing the disproportionate focus on services, outreach, and training on sex trafficking nationally and in Ohio and Tennessee, the project places a particular emphasis on collaboration and local partner training on labor trafficking, and sex trafficking as needed, as well as placing emphasis on building resilience-based services and networks to enhance the quality of services to all trafficking victims. This program’s primary goal is to develop, expand, and strengthen victim service programs for all victims of human trafficking, including programs that provide trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate services. The objective in providing these services is to achieve increased safety, self-sufficiency, and well-being for victims of human trafficking as well as to break the cycle of inter-generational trauma and reduce the risk of re-victimization. CA/NCF.