Georgia Secretary of State Relaunches Anti-Human Trafficking Initiative for Businesses

New 'Georgia Businesses Against Trafficking' program aims to equip companies to identify and report exploitation

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:49pm

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Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has announced the relaunch of the 'Georgia Businesses Against Trafficking' (GBAT) initiative, a statewide program designed to train business owners and employees on how to recognize and report human trafficking. The program will provide free educational resources and virtual training sessions to participating companies across various industries, including hospitality, transportation, and technology.

Why it matters

Human trafficking is a major issue in Georgia, with the FBI ranking Atlanta as one of the top 14 U.S. cities for child sex trafficking. By empowering businesses to be vigilant and report suspicious activity, the GBAT program aims to disrupt trafficking networks and create safer communities across the state.

The details

Through GBAT, registered businesses will receive a comprehensive resource kit with educational materials, signage, and window clings to help identify potential trafficking situations. In collaboration with nonprofit partners Wellspring Living and Street Grace, the program will also offer free virtual training sessions to equip employees with the knowledge and tools to recognize and respond to trafficking.

  • On March 27, 2026, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger officially announced the relaunch of GBAT.

The players

Brad Raffensperger

The Secretary of State for the state of Georgia, who announced the relaunch of the Georgia Businesses Against Trafficking (GBAT) initiative.

Dionysia Ambrose

The Director of Institute Services at Wellspring Living, a nonprofit organization that will be providing human trafficking training sessions for GBAT members.

Bob Rodgers

The President and CEO of Street Grace, a nonprofit that will also be collaborating with GBAT to offer training and resources to businesses.

Trent Nesbit

A representative of the Georgia Hotel and Lodging Association, which has expressed support for the GBAT program.

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What they’re saying

“Human trafficking is a multibillion-dollar industry—tied with arms dealing as the second-largest criminal industry in the world. This is happening in our backyards, from our urban centers to our coastal and rural communities. If we want to eliminate this reprehensible practice, we must all join the fight to eradicate trafficking once and for all.”

— Brad Raffensperger, Secretary of State

“Wellspring Living is honored and excited to work with the Georgia Businesses Against Trafficking to offer trainings to equip businesses across Georgia with the knowledge and tools to recognize and respond to trafficking. This work is vital because informed businesses become a powerful line of defense, helping to identify exploitation, protect vulnerable individuals, and create safer, more aware communities.”

— Dionysia Ambrose, Director of Institute Services, Wellspring Living

“Street Grace proudly stands with Georgia's Secretary of State's office as they relaunch Georgia Businesses Against Trafficking. We believe Georgia businesses have both the opportunity and the responsibility to be a powerful force for prevention. At Street Grace, we know trafficking thrives in silence and inaction. Georgia businesses can disrupt that reality by becoming informed, vigilant, and engaged. From hospitality to transportation to technology, every sector has a role to play in recognizing the signs of exploitation and refusing to tolerate it.”

— Bob Rodgers, President and CEO, Street Grace

“The Georgia Hotel and Lodging Association is proud to stand alongside Secretary Raffensperger to demonstrate our industry's commitment to this fight and to make it clear – there is 'no room for trafficking in Georgia.'”

— Trent Nesbit, Georgia Hotel and Lodging Association

What’s next

Georgia business owners and nonprofits are encouraged to join the GBAT coalition by applying online at the Secretary of State's website. Participation is free and provides companies with the necessary training and resources to protect vulnerable individuals and create safer communities across the state.

The takeaway

This initiative highlights Georgia's commitment to combating human trafficking by empowering businesses to be active participants in the fight against this heinous crime. By equipping companies with the knowledge and tools to identify and report trafficking, the state aims to disrupt trafficking networks and create a safer environment for all Georgians.