Unveiling the Hidden Crisis: A community initiative to combat human trafficking within Iowa
Human trafficking in Iowa ... Stacy Besch, a member of the Team Iowa initiative combating human trafficking, shared resources and other information that can be found on the Team Iowa website at stophtiowa.org as part of a March 6 educational presentation held at the NICC Waukon Center. Standard photo by Joshua Sharpe.
A beacon of hope and resources ... Co-founders of the Lighthouse Foundation (left to right) Brittany Sowder and Heather Van Hemert-Glenn display some of the resources the organization has available in its efforts to combat human trafficking. Sowder is holding the book she published regarding her own experience with human trafficking, something she spoke of during a March 6 educational presentation held at NICC Waukon Center. The Lighthouse Foundation focuses on educating students, schools, and communities about human trafficking, empowering individuals to recognize red flags and understand online safety. Standard photo by Joshua Sharpe.
by Joshua Sharpe
Human trafficking awareness has become an urgent concern in states such as Iowa, which ranks third nationally for trafficking cases per capita. An educational event led by anti-trafficking advocate Stacy Besch, a key member of Team Iowa, a priority initiative on combating human trafficking, was held Thursday, March 6 at Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Waukon Center and featured expert presentations, survivor testimonies, and legislative updates aimed at dispelling misconceptions about human trafficking and providing tangible strategies for community intervention and prevention.
MISCONCEPTIONS AND REALITIES
A primary focus of the event was to correct widespread misconceptions about human trafficking. Many believe trafficking primarily involves abductions by strangers; however, statistical evidence reveals that 92% of trafficking cases stem from manipulation, deception, and coercion rather than violent kidnapping. Victims are often targeted by people they know, including family members, acquaintances, or online predators who exploit vulnerabilities.
Recognizing Iowa’s distressing ranking in per capita human trafficking cases, Besch, a longtime educator and activist, emphasized the critical need for public awareness and stronger legal protections. As a dedicated advocate and community speaker, she has led numerous educational initiatives to equip individuals to recognize trafficking warning signs and take action.
The event featured a screening of the documentary “GRIDSHOCK,” produced by filmmaker Vanessa McNeal. The film portrays the realities of human trafficking in Iowa, using real-world cases and survivor experiences to challenge preconceived notions and highlight the scope of the crisis. Following the screening, Besch led an in-depth discussion, providing insights into how trafficking operations function, the tactics traffickers use, and the systemic challenges law enforcement faces in combating the issue.
Through her expertise and direct advocacy, Besch reinforced that combating human trafficking requires a multi-faceted approach, including community vigilance, digital safety education, and stronger legal frameworks. The event served as both a call to action and a platform for fostering informed dialogue, urging attendees to participate actively in the fight against trafficking within their communities.
ECONOMIC DRIVERS AND PATTERNS OF EXPLOITATION
Trafficking endures primarily due to its economic viability. Unlike drug trafficking, where products are consumed just once, victims of human trafficking can be exploited repeatedly, rendering it a profitable and ongoing endeavor for criminal networks. Positioned by unique vulnerabilities stemming from rural and urban dynamics, Iowa has emerged as a significant hub for these illicit activities. Economic incentives compel traffickers to exert strict control over their victims, often employing psychological manipulation, threats, and coercion instead of overt violence or kidnapping, Besch shared.
Children and minors, particularly boys under the age of 10, have been identified as particularly vulnerable targets, commanding higher prices for traffickers compared to other demographics. Online platforms such as Snapchat, Discord, Roblox, and Grand Theft Auto (GTA) online chatrooms have surfaced as primary tools for traffickers to approach and groom potential victims. Predators carefully gather personal information and utilize it to exert control and facilitate exploitation.
CULTURAL RELUCTANCE, LEGAL SHORTCOMINGS
Combating human trafficking in Iowa is significantly hindered by both cultural and legal obstacles, noted Besch. The pervasive “Midwest Nice” mentality, characterized by politeness and a reluctance to confront issues, often results in silence or hesitation when faced with potential trafficking incidents.
This cultural unwillingness enables exploitation to persist unnoticed within communities, allowing traffickers to operate with relative impunity.
In addition, Iowa’s historically lenient legal framework regarding trafficking has substantially undermined prevention efforts. For many years, human trafficking was merely classified as a Class D felony, comparable to minor theft offenses. This classification did not serve as an effective deterrent, permitting traffickers to continue their operations largely unhindered. Although recent legislative initiatives have sought to impose stricter penalties, they face significant enforcement challenges, including systemic inefficiencies, corruption, and difficulties in obtaining victim testimony.
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