First Lady's GRACE Commission, DOAS to Implement Anti-Human Trafficking Training, Host Self-Defense Classes

Atlanta, GA - Today First Lady Marty Kemp and the Georgians for Refuge, Action, Compassion, and Education (GRACE) Commission, in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Administrative Services (DOAS), launched Human Trafficking Awareness Training for State of Georgia employees.

As public servants, state employees are uniquely positioned to safeguard the well-being of our citizens. Proper human trafficking awareness training will empower them to meet that call to action by imploring them to learn the signs of sex trafficking and how to report suspicious activity.

"I want to thank Commissioner Atwood and his team at the Department of Administrative Services for their dedicated work to develop this human trafficking awareness training program," said First Lady Marty Kemp. "By educating individuals on the issue, we are creating an army of trained eyes which will literally have the ability to save lives."

"I am incredibly proud of Marty, the Department of Administrative Services, and everyone involved in crafting this training module," said Governor Brian Kemp. "I challenge all state employees to take this training. Together, we can stand up to protect our state's most vulnerable and dismantle this criminal enterprise for good."

"I am proud of the work that the Department of Administrative Services has done with our partners - collaborating with the First Lady and the GRACE Commission - to deliver a quality training for more than 78,000 state employees," said Commissioner Alex Atwood. "We believe the training, along with the resources available through our website, will pay big dividends in helping create awareness across the state."

In conjunction with this important training, First Lady Marty Kemp announced that she will partner with the Georgia Public Safety Training Center to host two self-defense classes on January 30, 2020. Both classes are open to the public, but registration is required.

Any individuals interested in attending the 9 AM class should register here, and all wishing to attend the 1:30 PM class should register here.

Implemented during Human Trafficking Awareness Month, these initiatives serve as important reminders that none of Georgia's cities, suburban areas, or rural areas are exempt from human trafficking. If you see something, say something.

About the GRACE Commission

The Georgians for Refuge, Action, Compassion, and Education (GRACE) Commission was created to combat the threat of human trafficking in the State of Georgia. The GRACE Commission is comprised of public officials, law enforcement, for-profit and non-profit organizations, faith-based institutions, and subject matter experts to tackle human trafficking, seek justice for victims, hold bad actors accountable, and end human trafficking.