(An Iowa News Service report) – State officials in Iowa are recruiting local businesses to report suspected cases of human trafficking. It is an ongoing effort but highlighted this year as part of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Iowa reported 166 cases of human trafficking to the National Human Trafficking Hotline in the 2024 data, the most recent. Paul Pate, Secretary of State, said the state’s rural setting often belies the notion human trafficking only happens in states with bigger cities and added it is a serious issue in the Hawkeye State.

“We do have trafficking in Iowa,” Pate pointed out. “As a former mayor of Cedar Rapids, I like to think our communities and our state is one of the best, and it’s a great place to live. But until it’s great for everybody, our work isn’t done and, yes, there is trafficking and it’s right here in River City, as they say.” Pate noted the Iowa Businesses Against Trafficking initiative has grown to more than 850 members across nearly all 99 counties and more than 350,000 employees are encouraged to report tips if they suspect they see human trafficking happening.

Beyond businesses reporting suspected cases of human trafficking, Pate pointed out residents of local communities are just as important in seeing the signs and stepping in if they suspect it. “Whether you’re in Polk County, Scott County or Allamakee County, it’s everywhere,” Pate emphasized. “The only way we’re going to beat this is, we need to have everybody be more aware of what it is, help the eyes and ears, almost like a neighborhood watch program, making sure we’re looking for some of the symptoms.”

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons was established by the United Nations in 2013 to raise awareness and promote action against human trafficking of all kinds. The event takes place this year, on July 30th.