Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – First lady Britainy Beshear and the Kentucky State Police (KSP) are raising awareness about human trafficking and educating the public on how to identify and report it, especially as Kentucky Derby weekend brings thousands of visitors and large crowds to the state.

“Every single person deserves to be safe – and to be free,” said Mrs. Beshear. “This weekend, as we celebrate one of our most special traditions, we also have the chance to change lives and save lives by staying alert for signs that someone is being held against their will or without full control of their choices. Remember, if you see something, say something … because together, we can stop this horrific crime and look out for those who are most vulnerable.”

Human trafficking involves the exploitation of individuals through force, fraud or coercion. As many as 24.9 million men, women and children are sold into prostitution, domestic servitude or other forced labor around the globe.  KSP states that human trafficking becomes a higher concern surrounding large events due to the increase in both foot and vehicular traffic.

“Human trafficking is not just a crime; it is an attack on human dignity,” said KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. “Traffickers prey on the vulnerable using manipulation, violence or deception, and we will target these individuals using law enforcement collaboration, intelligence and resources.”

Kentuckians have a legal duty to report suspicions of children involved in the commercial sex trade to Kentucky Department for Community Based Services at 877-KYSAFE1 and to local law enforcement. Other concerns about possible trafficking activities should be reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline: call 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733. To learn more about the signs of human trafficking, click here. If there is an emergency, dial 911 immediately.

The first lady is dedicated to raising awareness and supporting survivors, and she serves on the advisory board for the National Coalition for the Prevention of Human Sex Trafficking.