By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
I am so pleased to announce that Secretary of State Wes Allen has officially placed Alabama into the fray and fight against human trafficking. This week he announced the formation of ACT, which stands for Alabama Combats Trafficking. Because trafficking, whether it is sex trafficking or labor trafficking, is a commercial enterprise, it makes great sense for businesses to be the first ones invited to “get in the ACT” by joining in the movement. Member brick-and-mortar businesses will be given a decal to put in their windows that will essentially inform bad guys that as far as businesses are concerned, “Not in my house, and not on my watch.” More about the business aspect of ACT in a moment, but below is from the ACT website to give you some info to get you started:
What Is ACT?
Alabama Combats Trafficking (ACT) is a statewide initiative by the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office to raise awareness about human trafficking and to empower Alabama businesses in taking ACTion against trafficking.
Who Can Be a Victim of Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking victims can be of any age, race, ethnicity, sex, nationality, immigration status, cultural background, religion, socio-economic class, and education attainment level.
Indicators of Human Trafficking:
· Individuals living with an employer
· Poor living conditions
· Multiple people in cramped space
· Inability to speak to individuals alone
· Answers appear to be scripted and rehearsed
· An employer holding identity documents
· Signs of physical abuse
· Submissive or fearful
· Unpaid or paid very little
· Under 18 and in prostitution
If you believe you have seen a trafficking event or are personally in need of assistance, here is what you can do:
· Contact your local law enforcement agency by dialing 911.
· Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888. · Text the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 233733 or chat via Human Trafficking Hotline Web Chat.
· Report criminal activity to the State Bureau of Investigation Crime Hotline by calling 1-800-392-8011 or visiting Alabama Law Enforcement Agency – Fusion Center Suspicious Activity Report.
In our city and Limestone County, along with Tuscaloosa and Huntsville, law enforcement officers and first responders get up-to-the-minute training with regard to trafficking in all its forms, and I am so encouraged to know that this fight is important to their hearts. In addition, we have groups like Fortify Alabama and Covenant Rescue Group here in Alabama and Freedom Aviation Network in Tennessee that are involved in operations that free victims and get them to safety. All of these groups are worthy of your attention and support.
If you are a business and want to be listed as a member of ACT, you can apply free of charge at the ACT website, which is https://www.sos.alabama.gov/act. It is high time to obliterate this blight, so let us indeed get in the ACT!
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
June 20, 2025
