State sign campaign fights human trafficking
JACKSON, Tenn. — A new state hotline to combat sex trafficking is up and running. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says so far no victims have called in, but the agency is positive its new campaign is making a difference. The TBI is counting on traffic along Tennessee roadways to help cut down on a different kind of traffic. “Most people move so fast they don’t notice things like that,” said Tayla Bone, a driver. The TBI says visitors are now seeing signs posted at the state‘s welcome centers and will eventually at rest stops. The signs are designed to draw attention to human trafficking. “It probably would urge most people to say something,” said Bone. The posters include warning signs, a hotline, and an email address for people to contact. They are posted inside bathroom stalls. “We’re not trying to be crude here, but it is a captive audience,” said Josh DeVine, TBI Public Information Officer. According to the TBI, every two minutes in the United States, a child is trafficked for sex. “Every bit of research shows you that this in fact does happen in our communities, small towns, big cities,” said DeVine. “It really doesn’t matter.” DeVine says no calls from victims have come in yet. “Obviously it takes a lot of bravery if you’re in that kind of a situation to pick up the phone and make that kind of phone call,” he said. Drivers we spoke with support the initiative. “More states should do something like this,” said Marc Gallardo, a traveler. Some believe the signs will make a difference. “Even if it’s a little bit, that’s still good,” said Bone. The TBI could not say specifically when the signs will be at all rest stops. The TBI says Atlanta is a hub for human trafficking. The agency says because of our proximity, it makes Tennessee a place where victims will likely travel through.
