First Lady reminds Kentuckians to be vigilant about human trafficking on ColumbiaMagazine.com

First Lady reminds Kentuckians to be vigilant about human trafficking

From Crystal Staley/Scottie Ellis

Frankfort, KY – First Lady Britainy Beshear joined human trafficking prevention advocates at the Team Kentucky Update on April 27, 2023 to raise awareness about human trafficking in the commonwealth and to remind Kentuckians how to report sex and labor trafficking.

“As a mom, as First Lady, and as a member of the National Coalition for the Prevention of Human Sex Trafficking, it is my duty to remind everyone how important it is to be aware of your surroundings and to pay attention during next week's festivities,” said Mrs. Beshear. “I am dedicated to continuing the work that Andy and his team led in the Attorney General's office, working to prevent human trafficking and helping Kentuckians be more aware of how they can protect themselves and their loved ones from this crime.”

“Human trafficking is a terrible crime, and it is unfortunately a crime that no community is immune to at any time of the year,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Around large public events like the Derby, it is a good time to remind people how to report human trafficking, so they are better equipped to keep their family safe and also help their fellow neighbor.”

The First Lady encouraged Kentuckians to use the National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 888-373-7888, texting 233733 or visiting its Human Trafficking Hotline Web Chat.

Since its inception, the hotline has received 3,796 signals, identified 920 cases of human trafficking and identified 2,238 victims in Kentucky. Visit the National Human Trafficking Hotline website to learn how to recognize the signs of sex and labor trafficking.

Mrs. Beshear also emphasized the importance of supporting local human trafficking prevention groups. Amy Leenerts with Free2Hope and Amy Nace DeGonda with Catholic Charities of Louisville, two prominent human trafficking prevention advocates, joined the First Lady to discuss their work to keep Kentuckians safe.

Leenerts said, “We are so grateful that Gov. Beshear continues his commitment to helping end human trafficking in Kentucky. Human trafficking happens daily in our cities, neighborhoods and even in rural areas of Kentucky. We urge all Kentuckians to work with us during the Derby season and beyond to learn the signs of human trafficking and how to get help. The Free2Hope Drop-in Center in Louisville will remain a resource for victims seeking support and refuge.”

Nace DeGonda said, “What we want the community to remember is that trafficking happens every day in our communities, not just one time a year. We want the community to be aware that trafficking occurs and learn ways to support the individuals and agencies doing the work to support those affected by trafficking.”

As Attorney General, Beshear's office established itself as the leading agency in Kentucky's fight against human trafficking. He created the Office of Child Abuse and Human Trafficking Prevention and Prosecution, and a historic level of child predators were arrested during his term. He also created the Survivors Council, which provided a way for survivors of violent crimes, including human trafficking, to advise and assist the office on matters related to victims of crime.

In 2020, Gov. Beshear announced $37 million in grant funding from the Victims of Crime Act program, known as VOCA, to 133 crime victim service providers in Kentucky to respond to the emotional and physical needs of survivors and provide a much-deserved measure of safety and security.

In May 2021, Gov. Beshear announced a $1 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to help the state address key findings of the University of Louisville Human Trafficking Research Initiative's Project PIVOT: Prevention and Intervention for Victims of Trafficking, a two-year research project.

In September 2021, Gov. Beshear announced that Operation United Front – a multistate human trafficking sting carried out by 29 agencies across Kentucky – had rescued 21 victims, including two minors, and yielded 46 arrests.

If you believe you may have information about a trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 888-373-7888. Anti-trafficking hotline advocates are available 24/7 to take reports of potential human trafficking. Dial 911 if you believe the individual is in immediate danger. For more information, visit humantraffickinghotline.org.