Second Life Tennessee, a Chattanooga nonprofit that fights human trafficking and slavery, met with lawmakers to discuss the fact that such problems exist here in East Tennessee—even though they’re often perceived as existing elsewhere. Research shows 85% of Tennessee counties have seen some level of adult trafficking.
Jerry Redmon, CEO and co-founder of Second Life, met with Senator Bob Corker and Representative Marsha Blackburn in Chattanooga on Friday to talk about the importance of awareness and education and the need to develop public and private partnerships.
“Senator Corker's been the leading voice out of the Senate about this issue,” Redmon said.
Corker in 2015 proposed legislation that led to the creation of the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery, and has made the fight to end slavery one of his most prominent causes. Blackburn co-sponsored legislation that shut down Backpage.com, a Web site charged with helping human traffickers operate.
Second Life Tennessee provides survivors with specialized, trauma-informed aftercare services, and encourages you to call the Tennessee Hotline at 1 (855) 558-6484 if you suspect human trafficking is taking place.
Redman says he’s often asked if we’re winning the fight.
“I say, not yet. But we will.”