Wisconsin

In 1634, Frenchman Jean Nicolet became Wisconsin‘s first European explorer. The French controlled the area until 1763, when it was ceded to the British. The state’s name is an English version of a French adaptation of an Indian name said to mean “the place where we live.” The Wisconsin Territory was formed in 1836 and was admitted into the Union as the 30th state in 1848. With the nickname “America’s Dairyland,” it’s no surprise that Wisconsin is one of the top producers of milk, cheese, and butter in the country. In fact, the loyal fans of the Green Bay Packers football team call themselves “cheeseheads.” Milwaukee, the state’s largest city, helps make Wisconsin one of the largest manufacturing states in the nation. The state capital, Madison, is home to the University of Wisconsin. The flower of the “Badger State” is the wood violet and the state bird is the robin.

Human trafficking is a serious issue that affects people all around the world, including in Wisconsin. It is a form of modern slavery in which individuals are exploited for labor, sexual exploitation, or other purposes.

According to data from the National Human Trafficking Hotline, Wisconsin has consistently ranked among the top states in the United States for the number of human trafficking cases reported. In 2020, the state ranked ninth in the country for the number of cases reported to the hotline, with a total of 102 cases.

Human trafficking can take many forms in Wisconsin, including forced labor, domestic servitude, and sexual exploitation. It often affects vulnerable populations, such as immigrants, children, and people who are homeless or in poverty.

If you suspect that someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, there are steps you can take to help. You can report the situation to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or by text at 233733. You can also contact local law enforcement or a trusted organization that provides services to victims of human trafficking. It is important to remember that the safety of the victim should be the top priority and to handle the situation with care and sensitivity.

 

 

More Than 100 Children Worked in Dangerous Jobs at Slaughterhouse Cleaning Firms, Officials Say
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More Than 100 Children Worked in Dangerous Jobs at Slaughterhouse Cleaning Firms, Officials Say

One of the country’s largest cleaning services for food processing companies employed more than 100 children in dangerous jobs at 13 meatpacking plants across the country, the U.S. Department of Labor said Friday as it announced over $1.5 million in civil penalties. The investigation into Packers Sanitation Services Inc., or PSSI, began last summer. Department officials…

Cleaning service employed four minors at JBS in Greeley, Department of Labor says
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Cleaning service employed four minors at JBS in Greeley, Department of Labor says

DOL said one of the country’s largest cleaning services for food processing companies employed more than 100 children in dangerous jobs across the country. GREELEY, Colo. — One of the country’s largest cleaning services for food processing companies employed more than 100 children in dangerous jobs at 13 meatpacking plants across the country including JBS Foods…

Company that hired minors to clean skull-splitters and bone saws at meatpacking plants fined $1.5 million
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Company that hired minors to clean skull-splitters and bone saws at meatpacking plants fined $1.5 million

One of the country’s largest cleaning services for food processing companies employed more than 100 children in dangerous jobs at 13 meatpacking plants across the country, the U.S. Department of Labor said Friday as it announced over $1.5 million in civil penalties. The investigation into Packers Sanitation Services Inc., or PSSI, began last summer. Department officials…

Meat plant cleaning service fined $1.5M for hiring more than 100 children
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Meat plant cleaning service fined $1.5M for hiring more than 100 children

The Department of Labor says one of the country’s largest cleaning services for food processing companies employed more than 100 children in dangerous jobs. MINNEAPOLIS — One of the country’s largest cleaning services for food processing companies employed more than 100 children in dangerous jobs at 13 meatpacking plants across the country, the U.S. Department…

Meat plant cleaning service fined $1.5M for hiring minors
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Meat plant cleaning service fined $1.5M for hiring minors

MINNEAPOLIS — One of the country’s largest cleaning services for food processing companies employed more than 100 children in dangerous jobs at 13 meatpacking plants across the country, the U.S. Department of Labor said Friday as it announced over $1.5 million in civil penalties. The investigation into Packers Sanitation Services Inc., or PSSI, began last…

AG Kaul announces Wisconsin anti-human trafficking task force
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AG Kaul announces Wisconsin anti-human trafficking task force

MADISON, Wis. (WSAW) – During National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Attorney General Josh Kaul has announced a new statewide, multi-disciplinary task force comprised of federal, state, and tribal law enforcement and victim service providers dedicated to supporting survivors of human trafficking and ensuring justice is served by those who commit the crime. The Wisconsin Anti-Human…

Rural Wisconsin mom hopes to raise awareness about human trafficking by sharing her son’s story
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Rural Wisconsin mom hopes to raise awareness about human trafficking by sharing her son’s story

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – A rural Wisconsin mom is ready to share her story. In 2016, her son was human trafficked in Madison and she says this is not the last time you are going to hear about these situations. She wants other parents to know what she went through, so they can understand what…

Local nonprofit to open first home for human trafficking victims in Southeast Wisconsin
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Local nonprofit to open first home for human trafficking victims in Southeast Wisconsin

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) — A local nonprofit is opening a first-of-its-kind home for human trafficking victims in Southeastern Wisconsin. Redeem and Restore Center bought a house in Waukesha last summer with the hopes of turning it into a restorative space for women who escape these dangerous situations. The house can welcome up to eight…

10 Domestic Abuse resources in Southeastern Wisconsin | Racine County Eye
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10 Domestic Abuse resources in Southeastern Wisconsin | Racine County Eye

Are you or someone you know experiencing domestic abuse? Navigating the route to receive help can be a daunting task. Perhaps you’d like the information to local resources to be able to further assist someone in need. In Southeastern Wisconsin, community agencies, nonprofits, and programs are available to assist you or your loved one’s path…

'Furry' accused of forcing woman into porn looked up to Andrew Tate, Elon Musk: court docs
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'Furry' accused of forcing woman into porn looked up to Andrew Tate, Elon Musk: court docs

A Wisconsin “furry” accused of holding a woman hostage and forcing her to work as cam girl looked up to Elon Musk and Andrew Tate, according to a report. Austin Koeckeritz was being held Friday at a Pierce County jail on $300,000 bond. He’s facing a federal labor-trafficking charge for allegedly enslaving a woman between…