New State Bill Mandating Additional Training To Combat Human Trafficking

A new law has gone into effect that will mandate additional training for non-profits against human trafficking.

Brittany Thompson is the Adult Services Director for Grow Free Tennessee. The Knoxville organization provides community education and works referral cases from the Upper Cumberland.

Thompson said the state’s support will hopefully shed light on the most under reported crime.

“People aren’t really aware of what it is or what it entails,” Thompson said. “They are used to what they see on tv or Facebook. So, it’s really showing the community that the state values this educational experience.”

Thompson said human trafficking happens in the Upper Cumberland, but the crime often times does not make it to law enforcement. Thompson said familial trafficking seems to be the most common but the taboo nature of the topic causes cases to go unreported.

Thompson said in regard to human trafficking, education is prevention. Thompson said the training will include identification, how to speak to a survivor and treatment.