Report: Women recruit girls for Ohio sex trade

CINCINNATI - A new report paints a vivid picture of the shadowy world of sex trafficking in Ohio, from its recruiters and groomers to its customers and pimps.

The report released Wednesday by the state Human Trafficking Commission is based on interviews with 328 victims in Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton and Toledo.

Of those interviewed, 115 reported that they were forced into the trade when they were under 18, with 12 percent of them sold before they were 12.

The report says that the vast majority of the girls forced into prostitution reported that they were recruited by women who were involved in the trade themselves or who at first acted like a friend.

The report says that adults manipulated into the trade were more likely to be recruited by men.

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Sex trafficking at a glance

A report released Wednesday by the Ohio Human Trafficking Commission is based on interviews with 328 victims of sex trafficking in Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, Cleveland and Toledo. Here are some of its findings by city:

Percent reporting being forced into the trade before they were 18:

Columbus: 44 percent

Toledo: 40 percent

Cincinnati: 33 percent

Dayton: 26 percent

Cleveland: 15 percent

Three highest risk factors for victims forced into the sex trade before they were 18:

Cleveland: 71 percent reported having been raped, 57 percent said they worried about where to sleep and eat, and 49 percent reported having a much older boyfriend.

Cincinnati: 60 percent reported having a much older boyfriend, 60 percent reported dropping out of school and 40 percent reported having been raped.

Dayton: 60 percent reported having been raped, 40 percent reported having a much older boyfriend and 40 percent said they worried about where to sleep and eat.

Toledo: 58 percent having a much older boyfriend, 53 percent reported having been raped and 53 percent reported having a poor family.

Columbus: 43 percent reported having been raped, 46 percent said they worried about where to sleep and eat, and 44 percent reported having difficulty in school.

Percent reporting that they were currently being forced to participate in the sex trade:

Cleveland: 27 percent

Columbus: 6 percent

Dayton: 3 percent

Toledo: 2 percent

Cincinnati: 2 percent

Current violence suffered by adults who reported still being in the trade at the hands of a customer or pimp:

Cleveland: 52 percent

Dayton: 36 percent

Cincinnati: 30 percent

Toledo: 25 percent

Columbus: 11 percent