State Human Trafficking Task Force Recognizes National Human Trafficking Awareness Day - Jan 11
Task Force continues efforts to combat human trafficking
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The state Human Trafficking Task Force is inviting all Tennesseans to join in the recognition of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on Sunday, January 11, 2015.
Human trafficking is the illegal trading of human beings for commercial sexual exploitation or forced labor. It is a multifaceted problem that has no boundaries.
This January marks the end of the first year of activities by the Human Trafficking Task Force, established as required by Public Chapter 464. The Human Trafficking Task Force is comprised of representatives from state agencies, legislators, community leaders, researchers, law enforcement, survivors, and subject matter experts. The task force accomplished much in 2014, including but not limited to: task force member participation in national and international conferences and symposiums focused on human trafficking; consultation with national, state and local experts; and a task force strategic work session.
Tennessee has received much recognition for its efforts. It is only one of very few states to have conducted a statewide study to assess the frequency of human trafficking and developed a plan to address the needs of victims. The state also maintains an “A” rating with Shared Hope International’s Protected Innocence Challenge. This annual report is a comprehensive study of existing state laws whereby every state receives a report card on 41 key legislative components that must be addressed in a state’s laws in order to effectively respond to the crime of domestic minor sex trafficking. .
“We are very excited about the progress Tennessee is making in addressing human trafficking,” said Dr. Raquel Hatter, Tennessee Department of Human Services Commissioner and chair of the Human Trafficking Task Force. “Through solid public-private partnerships, the state has generated momentum that has established Tennessee as a leader in the nation.”
The Human Trafficking Task Force encourages Tennesseans to play a key role in combatting human trafficking by educating themselves and others on its prevalence and learning the warnings signs.
Join the Human Trafficking Task Force and the nation on January 11 by wearing navy blue to show your support in solidarity against human trafficking.
Visit the resources listed below to learn more about human trafficking:
- Check out www.ithastostop.com to learn about human trafficking in Tennessee
- Check out www.polarisproject.org or www.sharedhope.org to learn about human trafficking on a national and global level
- Learn how to recognize the warning signs of human trafficking and what you can do to help at http://www.ithastostop.com/thewarningsigns.shtml
If you suspect an individual may be a victim of human trafficking, contact the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-855-55-TNHTH (1-855-558-6484).
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