Overbey Fights Local Human Trafficking

State Senator Doug Overbey (The Herald/Archived Photo)

Two bills sponsored by Senator Doug Overbey (R-Maryville) were approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee this week that build on the legislature’s ongoing efforts to attack the problem of child prostitution and human trafficking in Tennessee.

Overbey joined former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) Director Mark Gwyn, members of the Women’s Fund Alliance and others in a press conference last Thursday to promote the bills and help raise awareness for a victim’s hotline.

The Statewide Partnership of Tennessee Womens’ Fund Alliance has raised funds to publicize the 855-558-6484 hotline.  The hotline provides a wide variety of resources to help women trapped in human trafficking.

“According to a 2011 Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) study, human sex trafficking is a widespread problem in Tennessee, with 78 of the 95 counties reporting the crime has occurred within their boundaries over a two-year period,” Overbey said.  “The study also showed sixty-two counties reported the presence of human sex trafficking of minor children, with Shelby, Davidson, Coffee, and Knox reporting more than 100 cases. We must address this growing crime.”