Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has joined forces with his peers across the country to launch an initiative to aid in the fight against human trafficking and exploitation. The newly formed Georgia Businesses Against Trafficking (GBAT) focuses on raising awareness through training and collaboration with businesses and organizations across the state.
According to Raffensperger, the initiative is open to any business, non-profit organization, or association in the state of Georgia that is interested in preventing human trafficking and being a partner in the fight against human trafficking and exploitation.
“Everyone should be involved in this fight,” said Raffensperger. “Human Trafficking is one of the most critical issues facing Georgia. Unfortunately, Atlanta has become a hotbed of this illicit activity.
“GBAT helps ensure that Georgia businesses have the knowledge and tools to combat human trafficking at the local level,” he continued. “We should all take it upon ourselves to know the signs and know who to contact.”
According to Raffensperger, it is estimated that there are more than 1 million human trafficking victims in the United States. And Georgia is not immune to this. Representatives from the National Human Trafficking Hotline reported recently that they received 653 reports from Georgia in 2023.
The new GBAT website provides more information on how to get involved as well as educational resources and materials to help better understand the issues surrounding human trafficking and how to recognize it in the workplace.
According to Raffensperger, businesses can apply for membership for GBAT at sos.ga.gov/GBAT-application. “Upon joining, GBAT members will receive a window decal with the GBAT logo to place in their business, GBAT materials for distribution, a certificate of membership, and ongoing information from our office on Human Trafficking news and initiatives in our state,” Raffensperger said
