human trafficking

In an effort to prevent human trafficking, Gov. Andy Beshear invited state leaders, advocates and survivors to the Capitol rotunda Tuesday to recognize Human Trafficking Awareness month.

“In Kentucky, everyone should be safe and our communities should be free of the hideous crime of human trafficking,” said Gov. Beshear. “As attorney general, I was honored to work with so many passionate advocates and survivors to help fight trafficking – and as governor I commit to do the same. We will not stop until we end trafficking and we must all work together to do so.”

The Grayson County Health Department, under the leadership of new Public Health Director Joshua Embry, is heading into 2020 with the goal of combating the growing epidemic of human trafficking, as well as continuing to spotlight its current programs.

A Breckinridge County native, Embry, 32, was hired as Grayson County's Public Health Director in December and has made it his mission to highlight and build upon the health department's successful programs, including WIC, HANDS, environmental services, and community health education.

Attorney General Andy Beshear, the Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Prevention Board and the University of Louisville today announced an upcoming special screening of “I Am Jane Doe,” a worldwide documentary on child sex trafficking.

The 2017 film chronicles the battle of several American mothers on behalf of their middle-school daughters, who are victims of sex trafficking, against printed and online adult classifieds.

Attorney General Andy Beshear joined the director of his Office of Victims Advocacy, Gretchen Hunt, and 27 survivors of violent crime in the state Capitol Rotunda to announce the formation of a Survivors Council.

Members of the council will advise and assist the Office of Attorney General on matters related to victims of crime, including advancing victim-centered services, trainings and policy, and raising awareness.

More than 50 cases of child trafficking have been reported to the state since Kentucky updated its laws against the crime last year.

Gov. Steve Beshear signed the toughened law a year ago today, and it took effect in July. The key change was providing minors what is known as "safe harbor," treating them as victims in these cases, not criminals.