What is Human Trafficking?
"Human trafficking is a crime involving the exploitation of someone for the purposes of compelled labor or a commercial sex act through the use of force, fraud, or coercion." See National Human Trafficking Hotline website for more information.
Human trafficking can affect anyone; male, female, adult or child. People can be trafficked within their state, country or internationally. Traffickers can be male or female, old or young.
As a business operating in Texas, you can aid in the fight to end human trafficking by joining Texas Businesses Against Trafficking "TBAT".
About TBAT
In 2016, the Secretary of State established a human trafficking prevention business partnership under §405.023 of the Texas Government Code and 1 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 90. Texas businesses can work together in sharing training resources, best practices and information to help combat human trafficking.
Meet TBAT's current Partners and Associates.
Why Should You Join TBAT?
- Stand out in the marketplace with state recognition of your leadership in combatting a serious problem
- Contribute to your employees' knowledge and understanding of your business operations
- Build consumer trust in your business
- Be a role model that influences other businesses to follow your leadership in combatting human trafficking
How to Apply
Your business can get involved in TBAT at either the Associate level or the Partner level. Interested businesses should submit the appropriate application along with any necessary supporting documents.
Become a Partner
You can apply to join TBAT as a Partner by submitting a completed Application for Certificate of Recognition (Word, PDF).
Eligible businesses can become a Partner of TBAT by demonstrating that they have taken the following actions:
- Adopt a zero tolerance policy towards human trafficking;
- Take action to ensure compliance with the zero tolerance policy; and
- Participate in a public awareness/education campaign within 12 months prior to submission of application.
In addition, when a business becomes a Partner, the business agrees to participate in at least one public awareness/education campaign each year, share any best practices with the secretary of state, and help increase awareness of TBAT.
For more information on the requirements, please see Texas Government Code §405.023 and 1 TAC Chapter 90.
Become an Associate
You can apply to join TBAT as an Associate by submitting a completed Application for Certificate of Association (Word, PDF).
Eligible businesses can become an Associate of TBAT by demonstrating that they have taken the following actions:
- Prohibit the use of business funds to patronize a business that is part of the commercial sex industry and prohibit the use of business resources to engage in illegal sex or operate a business that is part of the commercial sex industry;
- Adopt a policy aimed at reducing human trafficking;
- Make training available to employees about recognizing and addressing human trafficking; and
- Include information about the business's human trafficking policy in supplier contracts;
In addition, when a business becomes an Associate, the business agrees to participate in at least one public awareness/education campaign during its term as an Associate, share any best practices with the secretary of state, and help increase awareness of TBAT.
Please email tbat@sos.texas.gov for more information or assistance.
Help Victims of Human Trafficking
While joining TBAT can help other businesses across the state learn best practices in preventing human trafficking in Texas, you and your business can also help victims of human trafficking by contributing to a donation account administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in conjunction with the Department of Information Resources (DIR), the Texas Comptroller's Office and the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). In September 2021, HHSC launched a new donation account to raise funds that will help provide dedicated housing and treatment services to youth who have experienced human trafficking. Using funds donated, HHSC will administer a grant program to address the lack of emergency shelter and treatment services for child, youth and young adult survivors of human trafficking in Texas.
Grant program services include:
- Immediate trauma support for youth recovering from human trafficking.
- Wraparound services, such as trauma-informed mental and behavioral health services, medical care and referrals, substance use treatment and legal advocacy, to support continuity of care for human trafficking survivors.
- Safe and secure shelter that considers the clear and present danger of organized crime to the children and youth housed in the facilities.
To donate, visit the Stop Human Trafficking Donation Service website.
FAQs
What will my donation go toward?
Your donation will be used to fund an HHSC-administered grant program for organizations in Texas offering trauma support and wraparound services for youth victims of human trafficking, mental and behavioral health services, and safe and secure shelter for vulnerable youth.
Is this donation tax-deductible for my business or for me as an individual?
Donations to this fund are for a public purpose, and therefore tax deductible.
What forms of payment can I use for the donation?
Donations are accepted online using a credit card, debit, card, or electronic check.
Is my donation publicly disclosed anywhere?
Donation information is not publicly disclosed, but is subject to public disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act.
How can I receive updates about the grant programs made possible through my donation?
Sign up to receive either emails or texts from the HHSC Human Trafficking Resource Center.
