Human Trafficking in Arkansas: It's Not What You Think

Jennifer Sorey, Founder and Executive Director of a nonprofit called Hub of HOPE that helps victims of human trafficking, defines human trafficking as “the commercial trade of human beings for profit,” emphasizing its common forms: sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and organ trafficking.

Sorey was part of a powerful assembly of educators, advocates, law enforcement, health specialists, and community leaders that gathered recently to strengthen their collective efforts in combating human trafficking in Sebastian, Crawford, and Franklin counties. The event focused on fostering awareness, action, and advocacy for victims of human trafficking through collaborative strategies.

Sgt. Matt Foster, Human Trafficking Coordinator for the Arkansas State Police, clarified the distinction between human trafficking and human smuggling. Human trafficking is most often people that look like us being exploited by friends and family and neighbors while human smuggling is a crime against the border. 

Speakers provided sobering insights into trafficking’s presence in Arkansas. In 2024 alone, Fort Smith recorded over 66,000 online escort ads, with statewide numbers surpassing 700,000. Massage parlors, labor camps, and transient workforces were cited as hotspots for trafficking. Alarmingly, Arkansas reported 108 missing children, many of which are suspected of being currently trafficked.

Shannon Holman, Anti-Human Trafficking Program Director at the Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking, explained that many victims do not self-identify due to normalized exploitation in their lives. Holman defined trafficking as involving “force, fraud, or coercion used against you for the purpose of value.”

Labor trafficking is the moat prominent form of trafficking in Arkansas. It often involves wage theft, passport confiscation, and isolation. Nathan Butler from the U.S. Department of Labor explained that victims are often bussed in from out of state, housed in controlled facilities, and denied autonomy.

At the meeting, Sgt. Foster unveiled new resources, including a community-focused website featuring a resource map, fact sheets, and guidance on recognizing and reporting trafficking. Technological advancements, such as facial recognition software, were highlighted as critical tools for tracking traffickers and identifying victims. Sgt. Foster shared the success of recent operations that rescued victims and connected them with housing and medical services.

One of the misconceptions he counters is that trafficking victims, once identified will be arrested. Rather, he states, "It is the first time in a long time, these people can say yes or no." When his team approaches someone in a trafficking situation, they have the freedom to leave and be immediately serviced with housing and medical services.

Penni Burns, CEO of the Crisis Intervention Center, addresses root causes like poverty, education, and violence. She emphasizes that trauma, even at a young age, affects the brain and makes people vulnerable to cycles of abuse.

"It's not their fault, but something is at fault," Burns points out identifying the need to advocate for whole families and focus on prevention.

"None of this gonna matter," says Burns, "if the next generation is going to go through the same things."

Wendy Brawdy, Operations Director at Riverview Hope Campus, highlighted the vulnerability of homeless individuals and the need for education and community connection. She attests that something as simple as a phone call could save a life.

Michelle Warth, Senior Investigator with the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division, agrees that agencies need to be willing to take further action than in the past. Statistically, it takes 7 - 8 positive contacts to give someone the courage to leave their trafficking situation. The experts agreed that combating human trafficking requires a united effort.

With this in mind, Sorey reminded those gathered to not be overwhelmed by the big picture. Empathy and small actions matter. “Focus on the one in front of you,” she said.

Burns offers similar encouragement in the face of this heart-breaking situation in our state. "Don't forget to lean on each other. If we can't take care of each other, we have no business trying to take care of other people."

The event concluded with a resounding call to network, educate, and act, as community leaders committed to fighting this pervasive issue and supporting survivors with dignity and care.

One of the ways communities can take action is through the collaborative case management system HopeHub. Abbie Cox and Tara Morrell of the 100 Families Initiative who facilitated the meeting emphasized the software's shared database which enables diverse organizations to provide integrated support.

Arkansas Department of Public Safety officials launched a webpage intended to make reporting suspected human trafficking easier and guide survivors of human trafficking to resources in their county.

The webpage features an interactive map of Arkansas counties with links to resources related to human trafficking survivors in each one and a page for submitting information about suspected human trafficking.

https://dps.arkansas.gov/law-enforcement/arkansas-state-police/divisions/criminal-investigations/human-trafficking/