BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) – Through their participation in a national program that targets sex buyers, Brown County Sheriff’s officials say they recovered 81 victims of sex trafficking.
The agency is highlighting organizations that are available to those affected, such as Dawn Sprang’s Eye Heart World.
“We will go in and meet with them and talk with them about what kind of things they have going on that keep them in the life and talk with them about what resources they need to get out of the life.”
Sprang says they have helped 56 trafficking victims since beginning operations in November 2015.
Shelby Mitchell is a victim advocate for the Sexual Assault Center of Family Services and claims 40 people were exploited in Brown County between April and June.
“Traffickers are very meticulous about who they pick, and they do everything with a reason behind it.”
Sheriff’s officials say many victims are dependent on the person exploiting them for drugs, money, food, or material items.
They note signs that someone is a sex trafficking victim include unexplained absences from school, talking about wild parties and sexual behavior, wearing expensive clothing they otherwise couldn’t afford, dressing less appropriately than in the past, and having a significantly older boyfriend or girlfriend.
Anyone who is being trafficked or knows someone who is being trafficked is urged to call the Brown County Sheriff’s Office at 920-448-4200.
