Attorney General Daniel Cameron said at a Wednesday press conference that he is launching the HOPE Initiative through his Office of Trafficking and Abuse Prevention and Prosecution.
The initiative will work to shut down illicit massage businesses that might harbor human trafficking victims.
“The hope initiative combines the resources of all our partners to help stop human trafficking,” Cameron said.
Cameron outlined that since 2007, the National Human Trafficking hotline has received nearly 3,800 contacts related to Kentucky — of those contacts, the hotline has identified 920 cases of human trafficking with 2,200 victims.
There’s been a 38% growth rate in illicit massage businesses nationwide, according to Cameron and a counter-intelligence agency partner.
“In Kentucky, this agency estimates a 71% increase during the same timeframe, which is nearly double the national rate,” Cameron said.
The Office of Trafficking and Abuse Prevention and Prosecution is educating landlords about human trafficking. They’ve contacted landlords in Bullitt, Fayette, Hardin, and Laurel Counites to let them know of suspected trafficking on their property.
“As we learn more about trafficking, we understand that certain environments are more likely to enable traffickers to profit from their current and exploitation,” said the Office’s Executive Director Heather Wagers.
Kentuckians who suspect human trafficking in their community should report it immediately to local law enforcement. Landlords contacted by the Office of the Attorney General regarding suspected human trafficking can contact TAPP by calling the H.O.P.E. Initiative Hotline at 1-833-991-HOPE (4673).