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.

 

 

Over 40% of ‘Early Release’ Inmates Re-offend, Endangering Public Safety, But Evers Expanded Program
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Over 40% of ‘Early Release’ Inmates Re-offend, Endangering Public Safety, But Evers Expanded Program

Editor’s note: this article is not specific to trafficking. It is presented as a broader look at the challenges in the American carceral system.  Gov. Tony Evers pushed expansion of the state’s “earned release” program, but it’s endangering public safety. Gov. Tony Evers’ administration expanded the state’s earned release program in multiple ways even though more…

Fierce Freedom will host West Central WI Anti-Human Trafficking Conference in October
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Fierce Freedom will host West Central WI Anti-Human Trafficking Conference in October

ALTOONA, Wis. (WEAU) – An Altoona non-profit is set to hose an anti-human trafficking conference in Eau Claire. Fierce Freedom is committed to the education and prevention of human trafficking. “We wanted to really bring people together to have these conversations that are so important,” Cat Morgan said. On October 13th, the organization will host…

What’s at stake in the 2022 midterm election? Here’s everything to watch before Election Day.
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What’s at stake in the 2022 midterm election? Here’s everything to watch before Election Day.

Midterm elections: How they work and why they’re important This year’s midterms are the first chance for Americans to grade Joe Biden and congressional Democrats on how they’ve been running the country for the past two years. Typically midterms don’t go well for the party in power, and Democrats are defending razor-thin majorities in Congress, as one-third of…

Pieper Lewis: Other cases of sex trafficking victims convicted or penalized – CNN
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Pieper Lewis: Other cases of sex trafficking victims convicted or penalized – CNN

Pieper Lewis, who killed her alleged rapist in 2020, received a deferred judgment from Polk County District Judge David Porter after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter and willful injury.  Lewis is just one of several teenagers — often of color — who have been legally penalized or convicted of killing their sex trafficker or assaulter…

Anti-Human Trafficking Conference – Merrill Foto News
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Anti-Human Trafficking Conference – Merrill Foto News

TINA L. SCOTT EDITOR The Holy Cross Sisters will be holding an Anti-Human Trafficking Conference on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Northwoods Veterans Post/Pub 1638/VFW Hall, 601 Johnson St. in Merrill. Designed to “Shine a Light” on Human Trafficking, the Sisters urge residents to “come and learn the signs…

Fact Check: NO Evidence That 'Marco, Polo' Game Is Used For Sex Trafficking In Stores
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Fact Check: NO Evidence That 'Marco, Polo' Game Is Used For Sex Trafficking In Stores

STORY UPDATED: check for updates below. No Evidence Has the call-and-response game “Marco, Polo” proven to be a tactic to initiate sex trafficking in stores? No, that’s not true: Spokespeople from human trafficking advocacy and awareness organizations told us that there are no confirmed reports of such a scheme being used for human trafficking. The…

New report finds DCF’s human trafficking screening tool may not identify all victims
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New report finds DCF’s human trafficking screening tool may not identify all victims

PALMETTO, Fla. — A screening tool the state uses to help identify child victims of human trafficking is not very reliable, a new report shows, and “may not successfully identify” all kids. Despite years of recommendations, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) has made no changes to the interview guide since it was first implemented…

Sex trafficking in Washington County, WI | By Jean L. Merry – washingtoncountyinsider.com
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Sex trafficking in Washington County, WI | By Jean L. Merry – washingtoncountyinsider.com

July 23, 2022 – Washington Co., WI – “Sex trafficking is happening here, in Washington County” said Wendy Smith of Washington County Anti-Trafficking Advocates in her presentation Wednesday evening, July 20, at the Moose Lodge in West Bend. “So, we need everyone’s help and engagement.” The goal of her organization, according to Smith, is to…

Bikers ride against human trafficking in the Fox Valley – WBAY
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Bikers ride against human trafficking in the Fox Valley – WBAY

APPLETON, Wis. (WBAY) – Nearly 120 bikers revved their engines to raise funds for sex trafficking survivors and others being sexually exploited in Wisconsin. Bikers Against Trafficking was joined by Wisconsin Wheels of Hope in their “Breaking the Chains — Ride Against Human Trafficking” event. The ride started in Appleton and ended in Neenah. “I…

WI Supreme Court Defines Legal Immunity For Sex-Trafficked Victims – Newsy
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WI Supreme Court Defines Legal Immunity For Sex-Trafficked Victims – Newsy

22-year-old Chrystul Kizer is facing life in prison in the killing of Randall Volar when she was 17, after meeting him on a sex trafficking website. In Wisconsin, a groundbreaking legal decision involving sex trafficking and a woman accused of killing the man who she says abused her. 22-year-old Chrystul Kizer is facing life in…