Forum Explores Rise in Sex Trafficking in Milwaukee

The city of Milwaukee is well known for its famous breweries, historic buildings, cultural fests, and sports teams, unfortunately sex trafficking can now be added to that list.

Statistics across a multitude of agencies and organizations are showing a worrying trend with statewide reported cases up by a factor of 5 between 2012 and 2018, according to the Human Trafficking Hotline.

Nurses, students, faculty, and members of the community recently filled UW-Milwaukee’s Sabin Hall for the Supporting Youth Survivors of Sex Trafficking forum. It was led by the director of Anti-violence services, at pathfinders Tricia Redmond.

Pathfinders was created in 1970 and provides an array of services such as youth shelters, counseling, and support services to youth sex trafficking survivors.

The two-hour educational forum was hosted by the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare Committee. The room, filled mainly with women, was heavily engaged as Redmond delved into various topics from risk factors to statistics surrounding sex trafficking.

The legal definition of sex trafficking is anytime youth under the age of 18 is involved in any type of commercial sex act, in exchange for something of value.

Redmond further explained that if the individual is over the age of 18 the sexual act would have to be forced or coerced for it to be sex trafficking. 

According to the human trafficking hotline, sex trafficking is a form of modern slavery and is a crime punishable by federal and international law.

During the presentation Redmond was able to break down some of the myths that are associated with sex trafficking and its victims. These false perceptions are often derived from images presented in the media.

“Sometimes we have that typical stereotypes of sex trafficking,” said Redmond. “Like someone being kidnapped while walking to school or someone taken by the white van.”

The reality of sex trafficking is that not one story is the same. Some victims turn to sex trade as a means of survival.

“Sex trade is the exchange of sexual services for money including food, shelter, drugs and alcohol,” said Redmond. “Often times when we are talking with young people, they do not identify necessarily with being trafficked but exploited depending on their experiences.”

There are various risks factors that lead to someone becoming a victim of sexual exploitation.

According to Redmond, youth that have a history of sexual abuse, running away from group homes, or homelessness are at a higher risk of being trafficked

During the event Redmond explained that sex trafficking can happen to anyone.

“Trafficking is something that can happen in any community, whether that’s in the suburbs or city,” said Redmond. “Lower income neighborhoods with higher poverty rates puts younger people at higher risks.”

Redmond presented, national statistics from the Center for Courts innovation, which is a non- profit organization that creates programs and conducts research to help improve the criminal justice system. The study showed that the highest demographic of people in the sex trade were African Americans at 70%, while 12% were white, and 7% Hispanic/Latino.

According to a Medical College of Wisconsin report 63% of confirmed human trafficking victims from 2013-2016 in the Milwaukee area were black/African American, 24% were white, 8% Latino/Hispanic, 3% Multi-racial, and 2% Asian.

In the report 340 people under the age of 18 were suspected/identified to be victims of sex trafficking. The statistics are based on those who have had contact with Milwaukee police department. Which means that the overall statistics may be higher due to those who never had contact with police or came forward.

Ashley Eisler, Social Work major at UWM was one of the many students that attended the event and shared her thoughts.

“I knew sex trafficking was present in Milwaukee, but after looking at a few statistics, I was amazed at how many youths in Milwaukee schools said they have participated in sex trafficking,” Eisler said.

The report identified that 97% of the victims were women, though the report acknowledged the data on male victims could be underreported.

Stephanie Collins, also present, was appointed to the position of survivor & support advocacy coordinator at UWM last August. Prior to her position she worked in sexual violence advocacy and relationship violence.

“As a confidential advocate my role is to offer guidance and support to student survivors,” said Collins.” I can offer emotional, academic, and medical advocacy, as well as support in navigating legal processes.”

As an advocate, Collins explained that she informs student survivors about their options through the process as well as connecting them with additional support on and off campus.

According to Collins, counseling is available on campus through University Counseling Services. An additional resource is the student survivor support group.

“The Survivor Support Group is a place where student survivors can come to receive information and support in a confidential and brave space,” Collins shared. “The focus of the group is to learn about typical responses to these types of incidents, coping skills, and healthy boundaries and relationships.”