Headquartered in Ames, Iowa: The Iowa Network Against Human Trafficking & Slavery (NAHT) is Iowa’s first and only statewide volunteer organization devoted exclusively to ending trafficking in all its forms. The Iowa NAHT is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that is overseen by a board of Directors (20 members) from across Iowa. There are no employees and the Iowa NAHT does not provide direct services to victims or survivors. The NAHT does not receive state funding and operates on private donations. The network’s website is the go-to place for Iowa human trafficking information, training, and volunteer opportunities. You can subscribe to receive a twice-monthly email blog post by going to the contact tab on the website.
Four statewide projects:
- Hotel/Motel Employee Training & Awareness
- Rescue Sticker Distribution and Awareness Project
- Anti-Trafficking Massage Business Project
- Demand An End Project
Network’s Mission: To coordinate Iowa’s solution to end human trafficking and slavery through coalition building, raising awareness, and promoting education and advocacy. To end human trafficking in all its forms through:
- Providing a platform for collaboration between state and local agencies
- Advocating for effective investigation, rescue, and prosecution
- Leading and coordinating public policy and legislative efforts
- Strengthening collaboration between regional groups, nonprofits, law enforcement, faith communities, and community service providers
- Raising awareness and promoting education and training
- Advocating for expansion of survivor services and best practice
(within the Attorney General’s Office)
Funded to develop and air statewide PSA campaign (via radio, satellite radio, and social media) instructing Iowa motorists, truck drivers, and bus drivers to recognize and call appropriate human trafficking hotlines and victim services agencies. The Iowa Truckers Against Trafficking have become a model for the rest of the country.
Truckers Against Trafficking is a leader in promoting the difference an individual can make in fighting human trafficking and in mobilizing an industry. It has an excellent video and provides trainings for truck and bus drivers. The organization also trains Iowa truck stops to make sure employees are aware of what to look for and what to do if they spot signs of trafficking.
(within the Iowa Department of Public Safety)
The Victim Witness Services Unit for the United States Attorneys Office, Southern District of Iowa, provides services, support, and education to victims and witnesses of federal crimes. Staff is committed to ensuring that victims and witnesses are treated with fairness and respect and receive information and assistance for relevant services. Some of those services include notification of significant court events, referral to appropriate support services, reasonable protection from the accused, help determining and requesting restitution, and the return of property and information concerning the conviction, sentencing, imprisonment, and release of the offender.