It’s easy to feel like trafficking only happens in big cities. Or that only kids from “troubled” backgrounds are at risk.
But did you know sex trafficking has been reported in every Wisconsin county? Or that Dane County police estimate that hundreds of people are being trafficked in the greater Madison area, every day?
No one is completely immune from the threat and even kids from stable, “safe” homes have been trafficked. But some kids are more at risk and traffickers take advantage of that. Those dealing with loneliness or anger, substance abuse or mental health concerns, plus foster kids, runaways, and the homeless are especially vulnerable.
Concerned someone you know is being groomed or trafficked?
It’s not always easy to tell. People who are being trafficked tend to be secretive, on their phones a lot and frequently use social media. But that could describe pretty much anyone, especially teens.
Some kids have been exploited right in their own homes—
read here, here and here for some harrowing examples.
• Unexplained gifts, cash or clothes
• A big change in how they dress or a change in weight
• New tattoos—these signify a trafficker’s “ownership”
• New friends—especially older, controlling friends
• A second cell phone from “a friend”
• Dating apps on their phone or tablet—these are used to connect buyers to victims and are also used to recruit
• Changes in behavior and mood; self-harm or eating disorders
• Unexplained aches and pains or a sexually transmitted disease
Talk to them about trafficking.
These resources can help you find the right things to say:
• Truckers Against Trafficking
Talk about online safety. Parents can—and should—have more control and oversight with younger children. But once kids hit the teen years, they need to know how to make smart choices. Provide guidelines for what is/isn’t ok to post and encourage them to only chat online with people they know. Teach them to turn off location services when posting to social media and not to post photos that show their school or neighborhood. And be careful with the images and information YOU share on social media too.
Watch a recent internet safety program
from safety expert Justin Patchin
Call the Rescue America at 833-599-3733
For assistance in the Madison area, call Project Respect at 608-283-6435
To learn more about the issue of trafficking in Madison and local resources for support,
check out the following:
Brava Magazine: Hiding in The Shadows
United Madison: Voices for the Vulnerable and Local Organizations for Victim Support.
