DES MOINES — The Iowa Businesses Against Trafficking initiative is one of three finalists for a national award.

The program, started by Secretary of State Paul Pate in 2021, works with businesses to raise awareness of human trafficking and promotes Safe at Home, an Iowa program that provides victims of violent crime with a substitute address they can use to avoid their abusers.

“Iowa Businesses Against Trafficking is making a difference in communities across our state. The fact that it’s being recognized nationally is a huge honor,” Pate said.

“With this initiative, we have the ability to not only raise awareness to recognize the signs of human trafficking, but also work to end this horrible crime.”

Mississippi recently replicated the Iowa program, and other states are reviewing it, according to a secretary of state news release.

In Iowa, more than 630 businesses have signed up for the training program.

The 2023 IDEAS award will be presented by the National Association of Secretaries of State and recognizes outstanding programs and achievements of members, who vote on who receives the annual award.