Columbus, Ohio: The Ohio Statehouse became a hub of advocacy as nearly 250 survivors, policymakers, and community leaders gathered for the 2025 Human Trafficking Prevention Awareness Statehouse Advocacy Day. The event, aimed at raising awareness and pushing for reforms, was marked by a powerful keynote address from Harold D’Souza, a global advocate and survivor of labor trafficking.
A Call to End Exploitation
D’Souza, a distinguished member of the Survivor Advisory Council for the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking, spoke about the urgent need to recognize and combat labor trafficking, a hidden crisis often overshadowed by other forms of exploitation. With unwavering conviction, he called for community vigilance and proactive measures, rallying behind the movement “Humans Over Human Trafficking.”
The event opened with remarks from Kirsti Mouncey, President & CEO of the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking, and featured influential speakers, including:
- Mary Kate Waggoner, Ohio Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Initiative
- Kara B. Wente, Director, Ohio Department of Children and Youth
- Kelli Cary, State Anti-Trafficking Director, Office of Criminal Justice Services
- State Representatives Tracy M. Richardson and Josh Williams
Their discussions focused on prevention, survivor protection, and policy changes to safeguard vulnerable individuals.
A Commitment to Action
D’Souza urged the public to take the PLEDGE at CollabToEndHT.org, committing to:
- Educate themselves about human trafficking.
- Spread awareness in their communities.
- Reject exploitation in any form.
“The first step to ending trafficking is awareness, but awareness alone is not enough. We must act,” he emphasized.
A Journey of Resilience and Hope
D’Souza’s fight against trafficking is deeply personal. Alongside his wife, Dancy, and their sons, Bradly and Rohan, he overcame immense hardship to become a global advocate for justice and human dignity. Their story is a testament to the power of family, faith, and fortitude, inspiring others to take action.
As the event concluded, a shared sense of unity and determination filled the room. Harold D’Souza’s final words resonated deeply:
“Freedom is not a privilege; it is a human right. When we choose compassion over cruelty, justice over silence, and action over indifference, we create a future of peace, happiness, and freedom.”
For more information on how to get involved, visit CollabToEndHT.org.
