COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Ohio Gov. John Kasich says he'll back further legislation this session bolstering the state's legal crackdown on human trafficking.
Kasich spoke at an awareness event Friday at the Statehouse. The Republican governor said the state is marshaling its resources against the crime, but more can be done.
Victims of human trafficking often are prostituted or pushed to work against their will in sweatshop-type jobs. Some are girls as young as 11.
State Rep. Teresa Fedor, a Toledo Democrat, championed a new state law signed last year that increased penalties and created a fund to help victims. Kasich said he'll work with her again.
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine reported Thursday that despite improvement, there's still work to do in increasing Ohio's legislative response to human trafficking.
The issue is grabbing the attention of local residents. Toledo is considered a hub for human sex trafficking. One local church congregation came together on Friday to raise awareness.
"One of the key reasons we want to do this because we want to be part of helping those being held hostage," Pastor Pat Cannon from That Neighborhood Church.
"I have nieces that age to think that it could happen to them," Sister Sandy Sherman said.
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