Human trafficking is the 2nd fastest growing crime in the United States today, no doubt unfortunately because of how lucrative it is: in 2024, human trafficking was valued at an estimated $236B.
In Tennessee, statistics say only 1% of trafficking victims and their cases are ever identified (and that doesn't mean all are rescued from their trafficking situation, sadly). Last year, 1,152 trafficking victims/cases were reported across the state. If that 1,152 was just 1%... do the math. That means hundreds of thousands of victims are still out there.
ANY business that interacts with the public, goes into residences, or simply has its own employees is likely to interact with a potential trafficking victim--they may even be employed by you without you realizing the signs that they are a victim of a trafficking situation.
The chamber STRONGLY encourages you to attend this important lunch program to:
MEET OUR TRAINER🎤
Lydia oversees outreach, training, and partnerships to help businesses recognize and respond to human trafficking. Originally from Lafayette, TN, in Macon County, Lydia attended Belmont University and now lives in Nashville with her husband, Aaron, and their dog, June.
We’re thankful for ServPro West Knoxville as they are generously providing the venue and partnering with us for lunch for attendees.