Allamakee County joins statewide Iowa Businesses Against Trafficking initiative

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors have proclaimed to take a stand and join a statewide coalition to end human trafficking in Iowa. The Iowa Businesses Against Trafficking (IBAT) initiative is spearheaded by the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office. The goal is to have Iowa’s business community raise awareness and help prevent human trafficking.

IBAT was launched by Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate in January 2022. Membership in IBAT is open to any business or entity that operates in the state of Iowa and shares a commitment to taking steps to promote awareness of human trafficking and the Iowa Safe at Home program. Safe at Home is an address confidentiality program for survivors of human trafficking and other violent crimes.

Organizations that join IBAT are asked to complete two tasks each year: “Learn Something,” and “Do Something.” Businesses will commit to “Learn Something” by educating employees, customers and industry partners on the signs and impact of human trafficking in Iowa. Businesses can “Do Something” by empowering more people to take action to prevent human trafficking in Iowa.

“We’re building an army to combat human trafficking in Iowa, and I hope every county in the state will join this effort,” Secretary Pate said. “By joining IBAT, Allamakee County is showing a commitment to its people and a dedication to fighting this problem. Together, we can make an impact across Iowa and become a model for the rest of the nation.”

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors also issued a proclamation at its Monday, August 22 meeting declaring Allamakee County is taking a stand against human trafficking by joining Iowa Businesses Against Trafficking (IBAT).