Public invited to human trafficking awareness event

SANDUSKY — More than 1,000 children were victims of human trafficking in Ohio between 2014-2016.That's according to a recent study from the University of Cincinnati. And in 2017, Ohio ranked fourth-highest in the nation in most reported human trafficking cases.An event this Saturday in Sandusky aims to educate local children and adults on the signs and dangers of human trafficking.The event will be 3-5 p.m. at Monroe Preparatory Academy on East Monroe Street, according to Marlisa Young of the local nonprofit organization About My Father's Business, which is hosting the event. The forum is free and open to the public.Human trafficking educator Teresa Merriweather, of Elyria, will be the event's speaker and trainer.Young said millions of people come through the Toledo-Cleveland area and the region acts as a "passthrough" for human trafficking. She said black women and girls are especially affected.While the event is free, attendees can pay a fee to receive a certificate stating they completed human trafficking training. The fee is $10 for children and $20 for adults.For more information contact Marlisa Young at 419-357-6613.Reach reporter Brandon Addeo at brandonaddeo@sanduskyregister.com, follow him on Twitter @BrandonAddeo and follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegisterThe public is invited to a human trafficking awareness and training event on Saturday, March 30 from 3-5 p.m. at Monroe Preparatory Academy.