Human trafficking task force meets for first time

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos announced the creation of four new task forces last month. Among them, one focused on finding ways to prevent human trafficking and support survivors.

Introducing four bipartisan Speaker Task Forces, tackling key issues impacting our state. From AI to childhood obesity, these groups will shape policies reflecting diverse perspectives for impactful solutions. Learn more in the full release below. pic.twitter.com/SBmlRvHIsO — Speaker Robin Vos (@SpeakerVos) August 24, 2023

The bipartisan panel met for the first time Wednesday to gather information from experts, and it appears the group of lawmakers will have their work cut out for them. Wisconsin was among more than 30 states to receive an “F” grade for sex trafficking from the nonprofit group Shared Hope International.

“Probably 90% of the victims that we deal with in Wisconsin, when we talk about sex trafficking, one, started as a juvenile and two, are from Wisconsin,” Jansky explained. “I can't say that enough. They are from Wisconsin. They are missing, runaway girls from any city that you can count up.”

“This kind of just gives you a very small snapshot of what's happening in Wisconsin,” he added.

Before Wednesday's hearing, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle held a press conference together to lay out their goals for the task force.

“We've passed numerous laws so that law enforcement can have every tool available in their toolbox, but where we've consistently failed Wisconsin is providing services to victims of human trafficking,” State Rep. Jodi Emerson, D-Eau Claire, said.

“These are indentured slaves in a variety of ways, so that's what we want to look at here in our hearings over the next few months,” State Rep. Jerry O'Connor, R-Fond du Lac, added.

One possible solution could be within the education system by teaching kids age-appropriate skills to avoid ending up in a trafficking situation.

Thomas McCarthy, Executive Director of the Office of State Superintendent, told lawmakers, to his knowledge, there is no district with an anti-human trafficking coordinator position or any sort of curriculum yet.

“I don't think that there's a panacea,” McCarthy stated. “There's not a silver bullet. Schools are not your silver bullet in solving this particular issue, but we can be a vital partner in piecing together the resources to serve these kids before they find themselves in these situations.”

Wednesday's hearing was just the first for the Speaker's Task Force on Human Trafficking, with more information gathering meetings expected in the coming months.

If you or someone you know has been trafficked, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. You will be connected with a local provider offering confidential, free 24/7 support. You can also call 211 in Wisconsin to be connected with local resources.