MSTC Hosting Human Trafficking Awareness Lecture
Human Trafficking is not a likely conversation around the dinner table in Central Wisconsin. However, alarming reports are showing that this crime is on the rise and inching closer to our communities.The Mid-State Diversity Committee is sponsoring an educational program warning of the dangers of Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation.Presenting will be Lisa Sennholz, found and director of Damascus Road, an organization that fights to stop this very crime.
Often thought to exist in border towns or inner cities, human trafficking has established a market all across the United States. Damascus Road is a faith-based non-profit organization that aims to help those being exploited and raise public awareness of the growing problem.
Natasha Miller is a part of the Diversity Committee and has been instrumental in bringing this topic to the area. “Human Trafficking is a known international problem, but few people might realize how much of a domestic problem it is – and it is growing! The hope is that through this presentation the public gains awareness of the vile criminal business of trafficking, recognizes the characteristics of those at a higher risk, and the warning signs of trafficked individuals,” said Miller.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, “human trafficking is modern-day slavery and involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.”Billions of dollars changes hands each year making human trafficking the second most profitable crime behind drug abuse.
It can include minors and adults, males and females.
It can be a part of organized crime or by families pimping out their children and partners. Connections can be made via Craig’s List, Social Media, or ordinary businesses that put up a front for the illegal activity.
Damascus Road has been working to end the human trafficking for more than twelve years. They offer support and training to law enforcement agencies, hotels, gas stations, women’s groups and many other businesses and groups that may be unknowing witnesses.
Along with education, Damascus Road helps those that are caught in the trafficking web. Victims can seek out help and suspicious behavior can be reported. Miller added, “This program focuses on a topic that is at times difficult to hear or acknowledge its existence here in Central Wisconsin, but attending this presentation could really heighten awareness – the first step to fighting the problem.”
Sennholz is offering her presentation at the following Mid-State Technical College locations:
Wisconsin Rapids: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. | Auditorium
Stevens Point: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. | CER 634/635
Marshfield: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Room 126
