Human Trafficking Reports Continue to Increase Across Tennessee
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The Tennessee Conservative [By Jason Vaughn] –
Human trafficking continues to be a major problem across the globe, and Tennessee is not exempt.
NewsChannel 5 reports that there were 165 cases of human trafficking reported in 2020. This does not account for any undocumented cases.
The TBI also provided updated data for 2022. As of June 30th, the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline has received 635 calls or tips regarding incidents across the state. In 2021, there were a total of 1,235 calls.
End Slavery Tennessee is a group that is working to help raise awareness of what human trafficking is and how it can be recognized.
According to the organization, a child is either bought or sold for sex every two minute, with the average age of initial trafficking around 12-14 years old.
According to the group, human trafficking is “the exploitation of humans for purposes such as sexual and labor servitude where something of value is exchanged (money, food, housing, drugs, etc.) through the means of force, fraud, or coercion.” They do note that in the case of children under the age of 18, force, fraud, or coercion do not have to be a part of it.
They provide a number of training opportunities to help people recognize human trafficking.
“Obviously awareness and understanding of what this issue is and training those front-line professionals to be able to recognize the red flags that could be in front of them is important. Knowing what to do if they do see that. Where to report, who they can call, and obviously we’re that resource. We operate a 24/7 on call system for the state of Tennessee, said Leah Moyer, Chief Operating Officer of End Slavery Tennessee.
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The organization also works to help victims across the state to find support and resources to begin their healing process. They report that they have received 173 victim referrals so far this year. According to their numbers, they are currently on track to surpass their current record of referrals in a year.
“I think if we begin to break down most especially the psychological factors that come in play of saying there is a future, we can then begin to work towards what those goals look like for each individual. That really is our goal,” said Moyer.
One of the ways that greater understanding is being spread is through Human Trafficking Awareness Week which takes place from July 24 -30.
As a part of this week, the Tennessee Department of Health will be joining forces with other community groups to participate in the Red Sand Project. Groups will pour natural, non-toxic red sand into cracks in the sidewalk, creating art pieces intended to draw attention to the problem. More information on the project can be found at RedSandProject.org.
People who wish to report suspected human trafficking can call 1-855-55-TNHTH.
About the Author: Jason Vaughn, Media Coordinator for The Tennessee Conservative ~ Jason previously worked for a legacy publishing company based in Crossville, TN in a variety of roles through his career. Most recently, he served as Deputy Director for their flagship publication. Prior, he was a freelance journalist writing articles that appeared in the Herald Citizen, the Crossville Chronicle and The Oracle among others. He graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a Bachelor’s in English-Journalism, with minors in Broadcast Journalism and History. Contact Jason at news@TennesseeConservativeNews.com
I favor the death penalty for those exploiting women and children.
As a licensed Cosmetologist in Tennessee I am required to take training on trafficking.
It’s a serious problem and more people and businesses need to be educated on awareness and how to help.
That said our “leaders” need to tell the federal government to stop dropping illegal migrants into the state.
Especially around big sporting events and concerts. The majority of groomers and predators target football games, concerts, etc because that’s where their clients will be.
Athletes, celebrities and politicians are the top clients for sex traffickers.
We need more info on how many are illegal alien children in addition to citizens. How is the open border impacting illegal movement in TN and why isn’t Lee and the AG joining Paxton of TX in suing the Biden regime and Mayorkas directly.
We can’t get information on how many illegals are here if our own Govoner and legislators are giving illegals BUSINESS LICENSES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
everyone from the govoner down need to be replaced in this state. We are going to loose TN if these rinos are not gone
Illegals are now given legal social security #s at the border
Our Gov’r and state legislature are busy chasing after every federal tax funded penny they can grovel for
And do nothing to even so much as slow down the invasion into Tn
Then of course there is the drain on ALL social services
Last year whn I had to file for SS/Medicare the person on the phone admitted her parents hv bn in US for more than 20 yrs & still did not speak English
I told her they could send me a thank you note for all the yrs I spent in USAF protecting their ungrateful selves
& BTW
Why are the “family” members not charged with child endangerment for sending minors unaccompanied across our border
Yeah
Hot issue for me used to go to s.tx to help uncle during round up most yrs
Had to sleep with a loaded shotgun