Milwaukee human trafficking; detectives hope to raise awareness
The Brief
Two detectives part of MPD's Human Trafficking Unit within the Sensitive Crimes Division have been working to stop the crimes.
Human trafficking often goes unreported.
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
MILWAUKEE - January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month and some of the detectives who work in the Milwaukee Police Department's specialized unit want to bring awareness and stop traffickers.
What we know
Two detectives part of MPD's Human Trafficking Unit within the Sensitive Crimes Division have been working to stop the crimes. Detectives Michael Walker and Anna Flores say oftentimes, traffickers prey on the vulnerable, offering help, but using violence to control.
Human trafficking often goes unreported. There's no exact number of victims.
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Over the last two years, the MPD has investigated a combined 70 cases – three so far this year.
What they're saying
"It could be anybody. It's all over the place, in every neighborhood," Flores said. "They're being branded, they're being repeatedly beaten, they're being raped."
"It occurs at gas stations, restaurants, at hotels," Walker said. "It's not necessarily what we see in mainstream movies where a white van pulls up and somebody's kidnapped and getting into sex trafficking."
Dig deeper
Maria Rozek is a trauma counselor and victim advocate within the unit.
"This is not a new issue in our community, this has been going on for decades," Rozek said. "We, as a city, as a department are invested in trying to build safety within our community. The more we talk about a subject, it unravels."
What we know
Investigators say a lot of trafficking is happening to young people.
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"A lot of it is taking place online," Flores said. "We do frequent websites to see if we can spot any known missing juveniles."
Investigators are trying to bring awareness and encourage people to come forward.
If you suspect human trafficking or are the victim, there are ways to get help.
MPD said to contact them directly or call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678, or visit their CyberTipline website.
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Milwaukee Police Department Human Trafficking Unit
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