Human Trafficking Is Happening In Communities Across Iowa
It is a crime that can occur behind closed doors, in plain sight, at a workplace and in any community.
The Iowa Office to Combat Human Trafficking (OCHT) created the "See It and Report It" initiative that supports new legislation to provide free HT prevention training and certification to the lodging industry. In the last two years, this effort has trained and certified nearly 700 lodging properties and more than 22,500 staff to identify and report human trafficking.
But all Iowans can play a part in stopping this crime. Our website, StopHTIowa.org, provides information, free training, and an anonymous reporting tool available on any device. With your help, we can immediately engage law enforcement to begin investigating and pursuing criminals.
About OCHT
Iowa Code section 80.45 establishes the Office to Combat Human Trafficking in the Iowa Department of Public Safety. The office is housed within the Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center. By statute, it provides several services:
- Point of contact for activities to combat human trafficking in Iowa
- Consult with others about human trafficking
- Develop strategy to collect criminal history data about human trafficking
- Develop strategy for information-sharing among government agencies
- Apply for or assist other government agencies in seeking grants
- Research and recommend training to assist other government agencies
- Take other steps necessary to advance the purposes of the office
- Submit annual reports
DPS Annual Reports to the Iowa General Assembly
2023 Annual Report - Office to Combat Human Trafficking
2022 Annual Report - Office to Combat Human Trafficking
2021 Annual Report - Office to Combat Human Trafficking
Other Resources
Human Trafficking in Iowa: The Basics
National Human Trafficking Hotline
Iowa Attorney General’s Crime Victim Assistance Division
215 E 7th St
Des Moines, IA 50319