As sex trafficking has garnered newfound attention, Tennessee has developed one of the nation’s most comprehensive anti-trafficking programs.
Twelve new laws approved by lawmakers this year include harsher criminal penalties on traffickers, an extended window of time for prosecutors to bring charges and the creation of a state trafficking task force to study and respond to the issue.
The measures amplify a wave of attention since a statewide study in 2011 documented incidents of sex trafficking — which officials define as coercive adult prostitution and any sexual exploitation of children.