RESOLUTION NO. RS2012-234

A resolution recognizing May as “Human Trafficking Awareness Month” in Nashville.

WHEREAS, the first step in eliminating human trafficking is to raise awareness and increase education to ensure that all residents are knowledgeable about this problem, by learning the signs of a possible victim, and knowing how to prevent our youth from falling prey; and

WHEREAS, human trafficking is the #2 crime in America and projected to be #1 by 2012; and

WHEREAS, human trafficking is a 32 billion dollar worldwide industry that involves the recruitment, harboring, transportation or provision of a person for labor or services through the use of force, fraud or coercion and is projected to be a 40 billion dollar industry by 2012; and

WHEREAS, most victims of human trafficking are women and children of all ages with the average age of a sex trafficked victim is 12 to 14, and human sex trafficking has no boundaries occurring in both suburban and rural areas; and

WHEREAS, the recent Tennessee Bureau of Investigations report revealed about 4,000 known victims of sex trafficking in the previous 12 months in Tennessee alone with approximately 50% of those known victims being under the age of 18 and there are likely many more than those known victims who have not been reported; and

WHEREAS, the well-being of our youth as the next generation of Tennessee’s leaders, legislators, parents, business men and women is crucial; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the Month of May, and encourage all citizens to learn the signs that indicate a potential human trafficking situation.

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 May as “Human Trafficking Awareness Month” in Nashville.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to prepare a copy of this Resolution to be presented to Yvonne Williams, Executive Director of Trafficking in America Task Force, Inc.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Jacobia Dowell, Karen Johnson, Sandra Moore

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred to:	Rules & Confirmations Committee
Introduced:	May 1, 2012
Adopted:	May 1, 2012
Approved:	May 2, 2012
By: