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.

 

 

Debunking human trafficking myths and misconceptions
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Debunking human trafficking myths and misconceptions

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. In recognition of this, Attorney General Josh Kaul and the Wisconsin Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (WAHTTF) are debunking myths about human trafficking, to help increase awareness of the problem. “Human trafficking impacts communities across the state and country, and it’s important for people to know the facts,” said…

US Office For Victims Of Crime Celebrates 20 years of Anti-Trafficking Programs
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US Office For Victims Of Crime Celebrates 20 years of Anti-Trafficking Programs

To mark National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the U.S. Office For Victims Of Crime (OVC) celebrated the 20th Anniversary of its Anti-Trafficking Programs on Thursday. The event highlighted the theme of Collaboration, Transformation, and Impact and how necessary grant funding has been for fighting human trafficking. “We will continue to bring the full force of…

Dept. of Children and Families: Encourages communities to talk about human trafficking
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Dept. of Children and Families: Encourages communities to talk about human trafficking

MADISON – In recognition of Governor Tony Evers proclamation declaring January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) is encouraging residents to continue the fight against human trafficking by raising awareness and reporting tips to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security estimates…

New statewide anti-human trafficking task force to help get offenders behind bars – TMJ4
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New statewide anti-human trafficking task force to help get offenders behind bars – TMJ4

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin State Attorney General Josh Kaul announced a new statewide anti-human trafficking task force. Kaul says it will combine law enforcement with victim service providers. The aim is to ensure victims get the help they need and get offenders behind bars. “It provides services to survivors that otherwise might not be available…

Attorney general announces task force for human trafficking victims – WBAY
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Attorney general announces task force for human trafficking victims – WBAY

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) – January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and Wednesday the state attorney general announced the formation of a special task force so victims will now have more support. The goal of the task force is to ensure all victims are identified by law enforcement and receive support services, on top of…

State DOJ, community groups launch Wisconsin Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force
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State DOJ, community groups launch Wisconsin Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement are collaborating with community groups to launch a new Wisconsin Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force to combat the issue of sex, labor and other forms of trafficking in the state. “This task force is going to enhance efforts around the state to fight human trafficking,”…

Wisconsin Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force formed, Kaul announces
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Wisconsin Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force formed, Kaul announces

MADISON, Wis. – Attorney General Josh Kaul on Wednesday, Jan. 18 announced the formation of the new Wisconsin Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (WAHTTF). WAHTTF will be led by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division (DOJ) of Criminal Investigation (DC) and Project Respect. According to a news release, the task force is comprised of federal, state…

FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Continues to Uplift Asian American, Native …
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FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Continues to Uplift Asian American, Native …

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is releasing its first-ever National Strategy to Advance Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) Communities. The new strategy, which comprises action plans prepared by 32 federal agencies—including all 15 executive departments in the President’s Cabinet—builds on the Administration’s broader equity agenda and…

La Crosse students working to bring awareness to human trafficking with film event – WXOW
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La Crosse students working to bring awareness to human trafficking with film event – WXOW

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) – A special film event on Wednesday aims to bring education and awareness to the issue of human trafficking. Students at the La Crosse Polytechnic School are hosting a showing of the film “Sold” at the Rivoli Theater Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. The movie, based on the novel by author…

UWGB conference focuses on human trafficking – WBAY
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UWGB conference focuses on human trafficking – WBAY

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) – A pediatric emergency physician outlined case-based human trafficking examples during a virtual conference Thursday. “She is poorly clothed. She has bruises around her face and chest with a tattoo of a male name across her chest and is not willing to say what happened…” Dr. Allie Hurst said. But the…