Iowa

Although it is sometimes called the “Corn State,” Iowa really is a breadbasket for the U.S., with 90 percent of its land devoted to farming. The main products are corn and hogs. Named for the Iowa River, which was named for the Iowa, or Ioway, Indians, Iowa joined the Union in 1846 as the 29th state. The wild rose is the state flower and the capital is Des Moines.

Human trafficking is a serious issue that affects people all around the world, including in Iowa. It is a form of modern slavery in which individuals are exploited for labor, sexual exploitation, or other purposes.

In Iowa, human trafficking can take many forms, including forced labor, domestic servitude, and sexual exploitation. It often affects vulnerable populations, such as immigrants, children, and people who are homeless or in poverty.

If you suspect that someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, there are steps you can take to help. You can report the situation to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or by text at 233733. You can also contact local law enforcement or a trusted organization that provides services to victims of human trafficking. It is important to remember that the safety of the victim should be the top priority and to handle the situation with care and sensitivity.

 

 

Chamber joins anti-trafficking group
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Chamber joins anti-trafficking group

WASHINGTON — The Washington Chamber of Commerce has joined a statewide coalition called Iowa Businesses Against Trafficking. Chamber Director Michelle Redlinger said all local hotels and some of the community’s Airbnbs had completed trafficking prevention training required for public officials to stay there, under state rules enacted in 2021. “Our mission for the Chamber is…

Not even wild dogs could keep these cyclists from their cross-country goal: Raising awareness for human trafficking
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Not even wild dogs could keep these cyclists from their cross-country goal: Raising awareness for human trafficking

YORKTOWN — The six bicyclists who pulled into Yorktown on Tuesday after a 3,775-mile cross-country journey specifically wanted to do something uncomfortable. They were riding for an uncomfortable cause, after all: the worldwide fight against human trafficking. And during 53 days on the road, they endured painful crashes, flat tires, aching body parts, dehydration, blistering…

Human Trafficking Awareness Day is Sunday
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Human Trafficking Awareness Day is Sunday

Young depressed woman, domestic violence and rape. stop abusing violence, human trafficking, stop violence against women, Human is not a product. Stop women abuse, Human rights violations. In preparation for World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30, Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate and Story County Deputy Sheriff Elizabeth Quinn are working together…

Santa Maria Winery To Host Seminar On Human Trafficking Awareness And Prevention Thursday Evening
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Santa Maria Winery To Host Seminar On Human Trafficking Awareness And Prevention Thursday Evening

The public is invited to Santa Maria Winery on Thursday evening for a seminar on the alarming increase in human trafficking cases and ways for everyday Iowans to spot possible victims. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., a speaker from Garden Gate Ranch in Des Moines will share concerning statistics about human trafficking in Iowa,…

The 2023 Global Slavery Index Released – Network Against Human Trafficking and Slavery
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The 2023 Global Slavery Index Released – Network Against Human Trafficking and Slavery

The 2023 Global Slavery Index Released The 2023 Global Slavery Index reports that there has been a 10 million victim increase in modern slavery/human trafficking (MS/HT) over the last five years. On any given day there are 50 million people living in MS/HT and the world’s wealthiest economies are importing almost US$468 billion worth of…

Outcome of May 31st Pieper Lewis Hearing – Network Against Human Trafficking and Slavery
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Outcome of May 31st Pieper Lewis Hearing – Network Against Human Trafficking and Slavery

Outcome of May 31st Pieper Lewis Hearing Please tap the following link for a May 31st Des Moines Register article: “Pieper Lewis Gets 20-Year Sentence, But Then is Placed on Probation Again.” written by Philip Jones who has been covering the case since the June 1st, 2020 arrest of trafficking victim, Pieper Lewis. The NAHT…

Iowa raises penalties for human trafficking
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Iowa raises penalties for human trafficking

(The Center Square) – Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill Tuesday to increase penalties for human trafficking. The bill, HF 630, raises the level of felony for certain crimes regarding human trafficking. To knowingly engage in human trafficking by causing or threatening to cause serious physical injury to a child is now a Class A…

Secretary of state talks human trafficking awareness with Waterloo Rotary Club
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Secretary of state talks human trafficking awareness with Waterloo Rotary Club

Andy Milone   WATERLOO — Human trafficking is a complex, international issue. But right here in Iowa, Secretary of State Paul Pate wants businesses and nonprofit organizations to know they can play a role by becoming aware of the signs and how to respond appropriately. He spoke to a crowd of about 50 people at…

Several Anti-Trafficking Bills Pass the Legislature Including Safe Harbor – Network Against Human Trafficking and Slavery
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Several Anti-Trafficking Bills Pass the Legislature Including Safe Harbor – Network Against Human Trafficking and Slavery

Click a link below to jump to a particular article or scroll down to read the whole blog post/newsletter. Several Anti-Trafficking Bills Pass the Legislature Including Safe Harbor Below is a final report on the outcome of the 2023 Iowa Legislature. As you may recall, the 2023 legislation started with eight human trafficking bills. Of…

DeSantis pledges Florida will use ‘every resource’ to end human trafficking
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DeSantis pledges Florida will use ‘every resource’ to end human trafficking

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis pledged late Tuesday morning that his state would use “every resource at [its] disposal” to put human traffickers out of business and into prison. “So, all in, human trafficking across this country is a $150 billion-dollar illegal enterprise. And, I’m here to say that Florida – we want to use every…