​Defiance College Chapter
FREE the SLAVES
The LAWO Human Trafficking Protection Project is a new initiative designed to more effectively identify victims of human trafficking and to improve their access to legal advocacy and services. The program joins with other programs and organizations to provide a holistic approach to trafficking victims, ensuring that they receive the full continuum of services available. Attorneys and advocates from LAWO will work with victims to educate them about their legal options and rights and about the legal system. Legal services will be provided to victims in Defiance, Henry, Van Wert, Putnam, Allen, Williams, Fulton, and Lucas counties. Education and training will include all 32 counties served LAWO and its partner law firm, Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc.
Legal Aid of Western Ohio Inc.,
Human Trafficking Protection Project
Services Provided
Community Service
Advocates from the LAWO Human Trafficking Protection Project will work together with northwest Ohio communities to create a coordinated response for victims of human trafficking. The project will focus on developing appropriate and effective screening tools to help law enforcement, service providers, and legal professionals identify trafficking victims, and will provide training on implementing the screening tools.
Legal Service
Training and tools will be developed for use by legal advocates, attorneys, and Judges, designed to improve services for victims experiencing the trauma of human trafficking. Understanding of federal and state trafficking laws and regulations is imperative when assisting with victims of human trafficking. Project advocates will develop guides and other resource tools to assist with comprehension of federal and state trafficking laws and regulations.
Victim Service
LAWO provides assistance to Human Trafficking Victims of all ages and genders, regardless of immigration status or type of trafficking exploitation. The Human Trafficking Project works to identify victims and provide an emergency legal response with both long term and short term civil legal representation that is individualized and based on the victim's history of abuse. Advocates would be available to clients to provide case management and point of contact for law enforcement and other legal professionals. For potential victims and high risk populations, screening and assessment tools for human trafficking would be utilized, as well as non-legal advocates who would provide mentoring and a connection to available services.
CONTACT US:
LAWO – Human Trafficking Protection Project
118 N. Clinton St.Defiance, OH 43512
Call Us: 419-930-2457 or 1-800-544-7369
Email Us: sladd@lawolaw.org
Numerous Volunteer Apportunities Available!!!
