KENTUCKY — The Office of the Attorney General is the leading agency in Kentucky's fight against human trafficking. Human trafficking is the forced exploitation of someone for labor or sex, and trafficking oppresses adults and children of all races, genders, ages, occupations, and backgrounds. 

According to the Attorney General's office, a victim of human trafficking:

  • May show signs of physical or mental abuse
  • May not have control over their own money, ID, or personal possessions
  • May not be able to speak on their own behalf or unable to leave on their own
  • May appear to be fearful or submissive
  • May not know what city or state they are in, or where they are living
  • May work excessively long hours

"In 2020 there were 206 incidences, or reported incidences of suspected human trafficking related to children. So this is a challenge in the Commonwealth and as you noted, my predecessor and myself have continued to work vigorously on this issue. It is a priority for this office to make sure that we do everything we possibly can to push back against the scourge of human trafficking, because that's what it is. We've got some events here in the Commonwealth that are because of no fault of their own, but end up being a magnet for human trafficking, whether it be The Derby, or the farm machinery show, there are other venues and events across Kentucky that make it a challenge as well," explains Attorney Gen. Daniel Cameron (R)

In Jan. 2021, Attorney General Cameron's Office of Trafficking and Abuse Prevention and Prosecution launched a statewide human trafficking awareness campaign, "Your Eyes Save Lives." The campaign combats human trafficking by raising awareness of the signs of human trafficking and empowers citizens, law enforcement, and community leaders to report suspected trafficking.

"You can see human trafficking, whether it be sex trafficking or labor trafficking. There are situations in which folks, ultimately try to exploit others for purposes of their own benefiting. Again, those are all signs of human trafficking. So we have tried our best to expound upon and have a platform if you will, to project out our office's support in interest in getting rid of human trafficking Kentucky," adds Cameron

The Office of Trafficking and Abuse Prevention and Prosecution offers trainings on how to recognize the signs of and report human trafficking. For more information or to schedule a training, contact the Office of the Attorney General at (502) 696-5300.