The Preventing Abuse Foundation’s Mount Pleasant conference begins today. Topics ranging from drug cartels to human trafficking will be covered. Human trafficking is an issue in southeast Iowa, but not one that gets a lot of attention. According to State Senator Kevin Kinney, it remains a hidden crime that goes unnoticed by Iowans.

Kinney worked on several human trafficking cases as a lieutenant in the Investigations Division of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. He explains one of his goals as senator is to bring awareness to this issue and find ways to combat it.

To step up the fight, Kinney says the senate’s version of this year’s Justice System Budget requires the Crime Victim Assistance Division of the Attorney General’s Office to conduct public awareness and training programs about human trafficking. It also provides funding for training and overtime for local law enforcement officers who participate in coordinated anti-human trafficking efforts.

The state senator adds in the years to come, he wants to work toward establishing a support group or facility to rehabilitate victims of the sex trade.

Visit preventingabuse.org for more information about the conference in Mount Pleasant.