WISCONSIN – January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) is sharing state-specific information on the issue.
The DOJ in a release said state statute defines human trafficking as the recruiting, enticing, harboring, transporting, providing or obtaining of an individual (or attempting to do so) for the purpose of labor, services or commercial sex acts when done by a means defined in the statute, including but not limited to threats, extortion or fraud.
“According to data provided by the National Human Trafficking Hotline (NHTH), in 2024 the hotline received 277 contacts in Wisconsin,” the DOJ stated. “The NHTH reports that in 2024, 111 cases were opened in Wisconsin, involving 181 victims, as cases can include multiple victims. The majority of the cases reported were sex trafficking of adult women.”
According to NHTH, venues for sex trafficking in Wisconsin included illicit massage/spa businesses, hotels and motels, residences and other unspecified locations.
Venues for labor trafficking in Wisconsin reported to the NHTH included restaurants/food service, domestic work, hospitality and other unspecified locations.
“Increasing awareness about human trafficking can help to combat it,” said Attorney General Josh Kaul. “I encourage folks to learn more, including about how you can support survivors.”
“If you suspect trafficking, document as much information as possible and contact law enforcement immediately,” the DOJ said. “If you or someone you know needs immediate help, call 911.”
The NHTH also assists victims and accepts tips 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 1-888-373-7888. Other tiplines include the Blue Campaign Tip Hotline at 1-866-347-2423 and the National Center on Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) tipline at 1-800-843-5678.
For help finding a local victim service provider, reach out to the DOJ Office of Crime Victim Services or visit the service directories on DOJ’s human trafficking website at www.tinyurl.com/y3ddj4pf.
The public can also find local service providers at www.wcasa.org/survivors/service-providers/.
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