NASHVILLE, Tenn. — January is recognized as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and this year, the issue is drawing renewed attention in Tennessee, where lawmakers are taking action to combat the growing problem.
Data from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reveals a staggering 400% increase in calls reporting human trafficking between 2016 and 2023, with Middle Tennessee leading the state in tips and calls. The sharp rise in cases has prompted state lawmakers to propose new legislation aimed at addressing the crisis.
One organization on the front lines of the fight against human trafficking is AncoraTN, a non-profit providing aftercare services to survivors. According to AncoraTN, the number of referrals to their hotline has been steadily increasing. In 2023, the organization received 501 referrals, but that number jumped to 639 in 2024, signaling a growing need for survivor support.
“We are definitely seeing an uptick in the number of people who are seeking help or who law enforcement is coming into contact with due to their trafficking situations,” said Conlee, a representative from AncoraTN.
To address the surge in trafficking cases, Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced four bills in January, one of which would create a national human trafficking database. The proposal aims to compile state trafficking crime data, improve connections with survivor support organizations, and encourage law enforcement agencies to report data.
Conlee voiced support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of having legal structures and support systems in place for trafficking victims. “We need full wrap-around support, and that starts with having laws and structures to protect those who are victimized,” she said.
The need for a tracking system is critical, as many trafficking incidents go unreported. Research from Belmont University’s Data Collaborative, in partnership with Engage Together, has shed light on the areas in Tennessee most at risk for human trafficking. According to their findings, the five counties with the highest risk are Shelby, Madison, Davidson, Hamilton, and Bradley.
Dr. Marquinta Harvey, assistant director of the Belmont Data Collaborative, explained, “In order to understand it, we have to capture what’s going on.” She highlighted the importance of data collection to better inform efforts to combat human trafficking across the state.
Blackburn, along with Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), also reintroduced the bipartisan National Human Trafficking Database Act in Congress. This bill aims to streamline the sharing of data across states, helping law enforcement agencies and survivor support organizations to better collaborate and respond to human trafficking cases.
As Tennessee lawmakers push for stronger legislation, the state’s efforts to address human trafficking continue to gain momentum. With increased awareness, data-driven strategies, and more comprehensive support for survivors, advocates hope that these initiatives will help turn the tide against this growing criminal issue.
