Iowa’s interstate highways are prime routes for human traffickers transporting victims, who are often forced into sex work or other forms of slavery. Many traffickers are parents or family members who sell their children and vulnerable relatives.
Coordinated efforts of local, state and federal officers have rescued some victims, but human trafficking remains a largely hidden crime that goes unnoticed by most Iowans. To step up the fight, this year’s Justice System Budget (SF 497):
- Requires the Crime Victim Assistance Division of the Attorney General’s Office to develop and conduct outreach, public awareness and training programs about human trafficking and allows them to use money from the Victim Compensation Fund to help pay for the efforts. Teaching Iowans to recognize human trafficking and its victims will help law enforcement in their rescue efforts.
- Provides funding to the Department of Public Safety to hire staff to focus on anti-human trafficking efforts.
- Provides for funding for overtime for local law enforcement officers who participate in coordinated anti-human trafficking efforts. At times, these efforts can take a full two days, requiring peace officers to be on duty for extended periods. The funding will also be used to help train law enforcement regarding human trafficking victims.