Heartland survivors shared personal stories of human trafficking at Grace Church in Ottumwa on Saturday to raise awareness and educate the community. Brittany Sowder, Founder of the Lighthouse Foundation and a survivor trafficked at age 15, recounted her journey and now works to educate others.
Heather Van Hemert-Glenn emphasized Iowa’s rank as third nationally per capita for trafficking cases, urging the community to take action. Teresa Davidson of Chains Interrupted provided key insights into identifying and preventing trafficking, noting the role of online grooming and targeting vulnerable children.
The Lighthouse Foundation’s 2025 legislative agenda seeks stronger victim protections, including a Human Trafficking Survivor Services Fund and amendments to Iowa Code 710A. Van Hemert-Glenn encouraged advocacy, stating, “Real change can happen with better laws to protect victims and prevent future cases.”
For more information, visit the Lighthouse Foundation or Chains Interrupted websites.
