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A Resolution recognizing January 2021 as Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Nashville.
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WHEREAS, the first step toward eliminating slavery and human trafficking is to raise awareness and increase education to ensure that residents are knowledgeable about this problem, learn the signs of a possible victim, and know how to prevent our youth from falling prey; and
WHEREAS, in the United States, a child is bought or sold for sex every two minutes on average; and
WHEREAS, the International Labour Organization estimates that there are 40.3 million victims of modern slavery and human trafficking globally, and 81% of them are trapped in forced labor, 25% of them are children, and 75% are women and girls; and
WHEREAS, more than 63,380 total cases of human trafficking have been reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline since 2007; and
WHEREAS, according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 11,500 cases of human trafficking have been reported in the United States in 2019; and
WHEREAS, 898 calls were received into the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline in 2020; and
WHEREAS, End Slavery Tennessee, a 501(c)(3) organization, works to promote healing of human trafficking survivors as well as strategically confronts slavery in Tennessee with nine affiliated community groups currently meeting in Brentwood, Clarksville, Franklin, Mt. Juliet, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Spring Hill, West Central and West Nashville; and
WHEREAS, this organization serves as the single point-of-contact for human trafficking victims through state, federal, and local law-enforcement, the courts, and the Department of Children’s Services; and
WHEREAS, in 2020, End Slavery Tennessee trained 24,410 Tennesseans and community members, and served 165 referred children and adults impacted by human trafficking in their aftercare program; and
WHEREAS, the well-being of our youth as the next generation of Tennessee’s leaders, legislators, parents, business leaders is crucial; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes the month of January as Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and encourage all citizens to learn the signs that indicate potential slavery and human trafficking.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing January 2021 as Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Nashville.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.