Human Trafficking Awareness Month 2026 Wrap Up: The Work Continues Beyond January
Awareness is only the first step. Education and support at every level is how we can make sure no one heals alone.
Throughout the month of January, Thistle Farms has been out in the community working with media, elected officials, and more to call attention to Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Curious as to what we've been up to? Read on to find out.
Legislative Updates
This month, both Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee State Senate recognized January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, furthering Tennessee's ongoing commitment to being among the leading states in the US for its anti-trafficking, victim-centered response.
Tennessee State Senate Resolution
The General Assembly will also be considering legislation this session to continue strengthening the state's anti-trafficking response. One of those bills is the GRACIE Act, which would require all Department of Children's Services interviews with children to be recorded - this will help case workers and law enforcement better screen for child trafficking situations, intervene, and provide support.
Additionally, the Metropolitan Council of Nashville and Davidson County read a resolution earlier this month, recognizing January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month and honoring the victim-centered work done by Athena's Court (formerly known as Cherished Hearts) for those who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation. Thistle Farms has been a partner in the work of Athena's Court since it's inception a decade ago.
Pictured, L-R: Becky Bullard (Deputy Director of Programs, Metro Office of Family Safety), Brenda Gadd (Metro Council Member), Judge Ana Escobar, Amanda Clelland (Director of Communications & Advocacy, Thistle Farms)
Lastly, Tennessee Secretary of State, Tre Hargett, visited Thistle Farms last week to tour the Thistle Farms manufacturing and shipping hub to learn more about the products we make and our Job Readiness program, and - most importantly - learn from the women of Thistle Farms directly.
Pictured, L-R: Ty Johnson (Director of Operations and 2015 Graduate, Thistle Farms) with Tre Hargett (Tennessee Secretary of State)
Secretary Hargett's office created and oversees the Tennessee Businesses Against Trafficking Program, which provides human trafficking awareness training for business owners from Mom & Pops to large scale corporations and from Memphis to Mountain City. With this training, businesses learn how to recognize the signs of trafficking in their coworker, customers, and community and what to do when they suspect someone is being trafficked. And each step of the way, Secretary Hargett has made sure that survivor voices inform and enhance the training. We are so grateful to the Secretary of State's Office for all they do!
News Stories
Pictured, L-R: Nick Beres (NewsChannel 5+ MorningLine Host) and Tasha Kennard (CEO, Thistle Farms)
Here's a round up of just a few of the news stories from across Tennessee calling attention to the issue and what each of us can do to look out for one another.
Action 5 News (Memphis) story on the Ink of Hope Act
NewsChannel 5 (Nashville) feature on Human Trafficking Awareness Month and the Ink of Hope Act
MorningLine with Thistle Farms CEO Tasha Kennard
ICYMI - Becca's Reflection
"If prostitution was a choice, what were the options?"
This is a question that Thistle Farms Founder & President, Becca Stevens, has posed to others to challenge their misconceptions of prostitution and human trafficking for years. It is a conversation stopper - and a conversation starter - to encourage people to confront their feelings toward those who have walked a different path in life, and to understand why that may have been the only path available to them.
Read Becca's recent reflection on a time this question arose, and what she wishes for us all to do as we contemplate our own answers.
