Human trafficking is not an exclusive crime that takes place in big cities. These offenses can happen anywhere in Ohio. Often, these violations leave victims with emotional and physical scars. They may also face financial burdens. In Ohio, lawmakers have taken major steps to empower survivors through civil actions against traffickers.
How much is the settlement for human trafficking in Ohio? Let’s look at the legal provisions that allow victims to recover compensation from their human traffickers.
Ohio’s Path to Justice
Unlike other states, such as California’s fund for human trafficking victims to receive financial assistance, Ohio does not have a general settlement amount. However, that doesn’t mean survivors cannot recover costs and damages related to the incident. There are legal avenues that these individuals can take to hold their perpetrators financially responsible for these actions.
The Ohio Revised Code 2307.51, also known as “A Path to Justice,” was enacted in 2012. Under this legislation, any survivors of human trafficking have the right to seek compensation and justice through civil actions. In these cases, human trafficking victims can file civil suits against these perpetrators.
With these laws, civil actions are able to hold traffickers accountable for their actions. Like any other type of civil lawsuit, survivors can seek compensation for the economic and non-economic damages from this crime. This can include damages for:
- Lost wages since many victims lose job opportunities due to trafficking.
- Compensation for medical bills and treatment for physical injuries, mental health issues, and trauma resulting from their trafficking experience.
- Expenses related to the emotional trauma of human trafficking, such as emotional distress and pain and suffering.
Unfortunately, criminal cases can have a higher burden of proof, leading to mistrials and non-convictions of the defendants. With civil action, these survivors have an option to seek justice that extends beyond the traditional criminal proceedings.
Now, these individuals can hold their traffickers accountable, even if a criminal conviction is not possible. Additionally, these laws send a strong message that trafficking will not be tolerated in Ohio.
Empowering Survivors
These civil legal options benefit survivors in other ways. In addition to holding those responsible for these actions financially accountable, this compensation allows victims to rebuild their lives.
Some survivors come from backgrounds where they might not have a solid financial foundation. Once they are free from human trafficking, they usually do not have financial resources to help rebuild their lives.
Compensation can help them cover immediate needs like housing and medical bills. Along with that, it can be an important step to help these individuals break from the cycle of exploitation.
Additionally, having civil remedies also sends a strong message to traffickers. While they might not face time in prison, these actions still have consequences. Being awarded substantial damages might even assist in dismantling some of these criminal networks and prevent others from being victimized by these defendants.
When it comes time to file a civil lawsuit, there are many legal services and nonprofit organizations ensuring survivors have access to justice.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Victim Services Directory connects trafficking victims and survivors throughout the state with Ohio-specific services, including legal support.
With this help, survivors can start on their journey to justice.
Human Trafficking in Ohio
How much is the settlement for human trafficking in Ohio? While no set funding in the state goes to survivors, these individuals have the right to pursue civil cases against their perpetrators. Through civil actions, these victims can get the compensation and accountability that they deserve.
Even with these civil actions, state prosecutors are still charging others with these crimes and other related offenses. At Hunt Law LLC, we can help if you have been charged with a criminal offense in the state. To arrange a free consultation, please contact us at 330-469-9836.