BVMs Join Iowa Business Against Trafficking

The Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary have signed on to the Iowa Businesses Against Trafficking (IBAT) initiative, a statewide recognition and education program from the Iowa Secretary of State’s office, empowering businesses to help in the fight to end human trafficking through trainings and outreach opportunities. Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery. This crime occurs when a trafficker uses force, fraud or coercion to control another person for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or soliciting labor or services against his or her will.

Learn more: https://ibat.iowa.gov/.

How can You help?

If you see a situation where you believe someone is being trafficked, here’s what you can do:

• Call your local law enforcement agency by dialing 911 and reporting what you see
• For victim services in Iowa, contact the Iowa Helpline at 1-800-770-1650 or text “IOWAHELP” to 20121
• Call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline, toll-free, at 1-888-373-7888 (to report a tip or request services).