Today is World Day Against Trafficking

DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate is encouraging Iowans to take the mission of Iowa Buisinesses Against Trafficking’s (IBAT) forward in observance of World Day Against Trafficking, held July 30.
World Day Against Trafficking is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness and stirring action against human trafficking.
Iowans are encouraged to LEARN SOMETHING and DO SOMETHING in the fight against trafficking, whether it be sharing a social media post, talking to your network about human trafficking and its impact, or visiting the IBAT resources page to learn more about preventing this horrific crime.
“We must fight against human trafficking year-round, but World Day Against Trafficking provides us with a unique opportunity to put our voices together and collectively make a difference,” said Secretary Pate.
“As our IBAT membership increases, so does our impact, and we look forward to the day that Iowa becomes a trafficking-free state. It will take all of our voices, working together, to make it happen.”
Learn more at ibat.iowa.gov.

Pate announced this week that Iowa Businesses Against Trafficking (IBAT) has reached a significant milestone with 1,000 members joining the cause. Pate celebrated this achievement alongside the launch of the inaugural Iowa Businesses Against Trafficking (IBAT) Advisory Group at the Iowa State Capitol.
A coalition of business and community leaders, nonprofits, and subject matter experts from across the state dedicated to raising awareness and strengthening efforts to prevent human trafficking convened at the Iowa State Capitol for a press conference to celebrate the group's official launch and the new milestone.
The IBAT Advisory Group will support the Iowa Secretary of State's anti-trafficking efforts and overarching IBAT program, which encourages members to learn something and do something about human trafficking each year.
Through collaboration to develop and support policies, training, and resources to address trafficking, the group aims to expand IBAT's statewide membership network and engage Iowa businesses meaningfully in prevention efforts.
The Advisory Group members will serve one-year terms, and will assist with IBAT recruitment and outreach, host public awareness events and campaigns, and contribute to best practice resources for fellow members. Each Advisory Group member will also identify an outstanding IBAT champion within their industry or community to be recognized at a follow-up ceremony in December 2026.
“We must fight against human trafficking year-round, but World Day Against Trafficking provides us with a unique opportunity to put our voices together and collectively make a difference,” said Secretary Pate.
“As our IBAT membership increases, so does our impact, and we look forward to the day that Iowa becomes a trafficking-free state. It will take all of our voices, working together, to make it happen.”