KENTUCKY — A new statewide human trafficking awareness and training campaign is underway in Kentucky. Attorney General Daniel Cameron announced his Office of Trafficking and Abuse Prevention and Prosecution (TAPP) launched the campaign titled "Your Eyes Save Lives." 

According to a press release from the Attorney General's Office, the campaign "combats human trafficking by raising awareness of the signs of human trafficking and empowers citizens, law enforcement, and community leaders to report suspected trafficking."

“The Your Eyes Save Lives campaign moves the Commonwealth one step closer to ending human trafficking by enlisting the help of every Kentuckian to recognize and report suspected trafficking,” said Cameron. “We all have a vital role to play in eradicating this scourge, and this campaign provides the tools necessary to see the signs of human trafficking and make the call to report it."

Cameron said that last year, 136 cases of human trafficking from Kentucky were reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline while the Commonwealth's Cabinet for Health and Family Services reported 206 incidences of human trafficking against a minor.

"Human trafficking is happening in our communities, but it is often unreported or underreported because of lack of awareness, misidentification, and stigma. Our hope is that the Your Eyes Save Lives campaign will change that," he said.

The campaign uses a variety of platforms, including billboards, social media, radio, and print publications while targeting regions at an increased risk for human trafficking. The campaign, funded by a grant from the Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), will include resources for community educators, law enforcement officers, and faith-based leaders.

The initiative comes after the passage of House Bill 2 by the General Assembly during the 2020 legislative session, which requires airports, truck stops, bus stations, and train stations to post signs displaying the National Human Trafficking Hotline number.

“This program is an incredible tool in our fight against human trafficking,” said House Majority Caucus Chair Suzanne Miles (R, Owensboro), who sponsored HB 2. “We know that education and information build community awareness, and I appreciate the Attorney General and his staff for their work on this issue and commitment to seeing HB 2 implemented.”

“I appreciate the hard work of TAPP Executive Director Heather Wagers for her work to ensure this campaign aligns with our ongoing efforts to mobilize Kentuckians to report trafficking and to prosecute those responsible for this heinous crime,” added Cameron. “I’m also appreciative to the Department of Justice and the COPS office for supporting our efforts by awarding this funding.”

Jan. 11 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

Haeli Spears is a digital producer with Spectrum News 1 Kentucky. She is a University of Louisville graduate who started her career with Spectrum News in May, 2020.