One of the most impactful ways to defeat human trafficking is by raising awareness about it.

If people, businesses, and communities lack knowledge on how to recognize and push back against human trafficking, fighting this form of modern-day slavery becomes 1000x more challenging.

Thankfully, a surge in leaders, communities, and other officials raising awareness about human trafficking is taking place.

One of the latest efforts to raise human trafficking awareness is occurring in Mississippi.

Helping businesses recognize and fight back against human trafficking

Mississippi Businesses Against Trafficking (MBAT) is a new measure designed to help nonprofits, companies, and other groups learn more about trafficking in the community.

According to Secretary of State Michael Watson, Mississippi is continuously partnering with other state officials in order to educate more individuals about human trafficking.

On the MBAT website, individuals and businesses can find educational information; they can also learn various ways to involve themselves in the fight against modern-day slavery.

Some groups who've already joined MBAT include the following:

• Mississippi Hotel and Lodging Association
• Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy
• Sprint Mart (The Dutch Group)
• Mississippi Braves

In further remarks, Secretary of State Watson likewise spoke about the prevalent nature of human trafficking. According to him, most people throughout Mississippi aren't aware of how frequently individuals suffer at the hands of traffickers.

Watson also noted that he himself met with survivors of trafficking amid working in the Mississippi state legislature. Businesses in the state looking to sign up for MBAT can do so here.

Raising awareness in other communities

Each state should employ measures such as MBAT that allow for businesses and other organizations to involve themselves in the fight against human trafficking.

Thankfully, many tools exist for those who wish to raise awareness and end human trafficking. Operation Underground Railroad, along with Slavery Free World, are some great and reputational organizations to look into.

With enough people on board, the evil that is human trafficking can be completely and permanently eradicated.

Anyone who wishes to report what they believe to be human trafficking can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline via phone at 1 (888) 373-7888 or by text at 233733.