Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced today the launch of a new educational course designed to raise awareness about human trafficking and online exploitation among students. The course, titled “Enlightened,” was developed by the Montana Department of Justice in collaboration with anti-human trafficking organizations and features insights from human trafficking survivors and Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) agents.
The “Enlightened” course includes a video and an in-class discussion sheet intended to help teachers and parents initiate conversations about human trafficking and internet crimes against children. The curriculum aims to provide students with the knowledge to recognize and report suspicious activities that could indicate trafficking.
“The safety of our young people is paramount,” said Attorney General Knudsen. “This course is a crucial step in ensuring that Montana’s youth are equipped to identify and respond to human trafficking. I am grateful to organizations like Unchained for their partnership in developing this educational resource. I urge all parents, teachers, and school administrators to use this material to help protect our children and combat human trafficking.”
The Montana Department of Justice is collaborating with the Office of Public Instruction to distribute the curriculum across the state’s classrooms. The course is now available on the DOJ’s website [here](https://dojmt.gov/humantrafficking/).
Superintendent Elsie Arntzen emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “Our children are Montana’s most valuable assets. This course offers a significant opportunity for education on safety and security. I am proud of the collaboration between my office, the Department of Justice, and Unchained to safeguard our students.”
Scott Roberts, CEO and founder of Unchained, highlighted the gravity of the issue, noting, “Unchained is honored to partner with the Department of Justice and the Department of Education. This collaboration is crucial in our efforts to protect Montana’s children from predators and exploitation. Through education, we can better prepare our families and schools to combat these severe threats.”
Identifying Potential Indicators of Trafficking:
– A young person who is hesitant to engage in conversation, avoids eye contact, and appears malnourished or physically abused.
– Difficulty recalling their name or location, as traffickers often change victims’ names and locations frequently.
– Clothing that is inappropriate for the weather or situation, such as summer wear in winter.
– Lack of control over personal items and money, with few possessions often carried in a plastic bag.
– Presence of a dominating or fearful person accompanying the victim, who may seem out of place or inappropriate for the situation.
– Young individuals loitering outside convenience stores or truck stops, approaching unknown vehicles or men.
If You Suspect Human Trafficking:
– Call 911 in emergencies.
– Do not intervene directly. Remain at a safe distance and report your observations.
– In non-emergency situations, contact 1-833-406-STOP (7867) or use live chat at 406stop.com.
– If possible, take photos of the suspected trafficker(s), victim(s), and vehicle license plate(s).
Since Attorney General Knudsen’s increased focus on human trafficking in 2021, reported cases have more than doubled. In 2023, Montana saw 147 human trafficking cases, a significant increase from previous years. The Attorney General’s office has also been instrumental in passing House Bill 112, which enhances penalties for traffickers and provides law enforcement with additional tools for prosecution.
The new legislation, alongside the creation of two additional human trafficking agent positions and enhanced training programs, has bolstered efforts to combat trafficking in Montana. The Sentinel Project, a public-private partnership, further supports these initiatives by providing additional training and educational resources.
The new course and legislative measures reflect a concerted effort to address and prevent human trafficking, aiming to safeguard Montana’s children and communities.
by: DNU staff