New state program seeks to combat human trafficking

NASHVILLE, Tenn.– The state of Tennessee has created a program in an effort to combat human trafficking.

State statistics have recorded incidents of human trafficking in every county in the state. Tennessee Businesses Against Trafficking or ‘TBAT’ is a statewide initiative that empowers businesses and organizations to fight human trafficking.

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett says by businesses and organizations joining TBAT, companies get the tools to identify, report, and help end trafficking.

“And now we’ve just rolled out a program that’s 30 minutes long. That’s what we’re really trying to do is hopefully get businesses to take the video that we’ve cut and use that when they onboard their employees. So when you hire somebody to go ahead as part of their onboarding process, get them to watch that 30 minute video to get them trained one at a time as they come onboard,” said Hargett.

To register your business for free training or to find out more about TBAT, visit tbat.tnsos.gov.