On June 16, 2025, Secretary Raffensperger joined with Secretaries of State across the country to launch the Georgia Businesses Against Trafficking (GBAT) initiative for Georgians to join in the fight against human trafficking.

GBAT focuses on raising awareness through training and collaboration with businesses and organizations across Georgia. It is open to any business, non-profit organization, or association in the state of Georgia that is interested in preventing human trafficking and being a partner in the fight against human trafficking and exploitation.

“Everyone should be involved in this fight,” said Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. “Human Trafficking is one of the most critical issues facing Georgia. Unfortunately, Atlanta has become a hotbed of this illicit activity. GBAT helps ensure that Georgia businesses have the knowledge and tools to combat human trafficking at the local level. We should all take it upon ourselves to know the signs and know who to contact.”

It is estimated that there are more than 1 million human trafficking victims in the United States. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, they received 653 reports from Georgia in 2023.  

The new GBAT website provides more information on how to get involved as well as educational resources and materials to help better understand the issues surrounding human trafficking and how to recognize it in the workplace.

Businesses can apply for membership at sos.ga.gov/GBAT-application. Upon joining, GBAT members will receive a window decal with the GBAT logo to place in their business, GBAT materials for distribution, a certificate of membership, and ongoing information from our office on Human Trafficking news and initiatives in our state.

If you are a human trafficking victim or have information about a potential trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733. NHTRC is a national, toll-free hotline, with specialists available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also submit a tip on the NHTRC website.

If you believe a child is involved in a trafficking situation, submit a tip through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s Cyber Tipline or call 1-800-THE-LOST.