Hope for Justice has warmly welcomed the official launch of Tennessee Businesses Against Trafficking (TBAT), speaking in our capacity as a non-profit with an office in Nashville and as a coalition partner dedicated to the issue of anti-trafficking.
Note: TBAT website link may not work for users outside the United States.
Hope for Justice’s Sarah Butler and our representative Anne Basham with Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett at the launch
Sarah Butler, United States Program Director, who was at the launch event with Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett on February 26th, said: “Hope for Justice is honored to be involved in the launch of the Tennessee Businesses Against Trafficking Program. This will allow businesses to engage in trainings about human trafficking and spotting the signs, and in turn create safe havens for victims. It is critical that our businesses, who both face toward our community and represent our community, are educated and involved, because trafficking is happening here. Thank you to Secretary Hargett for spearheading this impactful step forward for Tennessee.”
Full press release from the Secretary of State’s office is reproduced below:
(Nashville, Tenn.) — Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett today joined with General Assembly members and community advocates to announce the launch of the new Tennessee Businesses Against Trafficking program through the Department of State.
Created through the passage of legislation in 2023, Tennessee Businesses Against Trafficking engages corporations and private entities in voluntary efforts to identify, prevent, and combat human trafficking in communities across Tennessee.
“Tennessee has some of the toughest laws in the entire nation against human trafficking, and once again, with the legislature’s support, Tennessee is leading the ongoing fight to protect victims and families through this program,” said Secretary Hargett. “I am grateful to the General Assembly, our coalition partners, and to the Tennessee business community for their effective, committed partnership as we all continue working together to end human trafficking once and for all.”
According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, human trafficking is the second-fastest growing criminal industry in the United States, only behind drug trafficking. Instances of this horrific crime have also been reported in all 95 Tennessee counties.
Through Tennessee Businesses Against Trafficking, participating businesses will be able to identify the warning signs of trafficking and assist in the reporting of suspected criminal activity to the authorities.
The launch event on February 26, 2024
“Unfortunately, human trafficking has become an issue we are all too familiar with in Tennessee and across the nation,” said State Sen. Dawn White. “We must all continue to do our part to stop it; I appreciate Secretary Hargett and his team for their commitment to this innovative resource that will help businesses identify potential criminal activity and save lives.”
Each program participant will adopt a zero-tolerance policy, participate in training, public awareness, and education campaigns, encourage employees to participate, and share best practices that effectively combat human trafficking with the Secretary of State’s office.
“Through Tennessee Businesses Against Trafficking, businesses will be effective partners in the ongoing fight against trafficking crimes,” said State Rep. Debra Moody. “While we have made considerable progress in Tennessee, we must all continue to do our part and stand with victims, survivors and their families.”
For more information or if your business is interested in joining Tennessee Businesses Against Trafficking, please visit: https://tbat.tnsos.gov/
Note: TBAT website link may not work for users outside the United States.
