Attorney General Josh Kaul has announced a new partnership between the Wisconsin Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (WAHTTF) and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR) Task Force. The partnership aims to address the prevalence of human trafficking in Wisconsin's Indigenous communities and increase collaboration among law enforcement, tribal leadership, victim advocates, and other disciplines.
According to Attorney General Kaul, the partnership will make both task forces more comprehensive and effective in their fight against human trafficking. The WAHTTF, led by the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and Project Respect, ensures that trafficking victims are identified and provided with comprehensive support services. Their goal is to successfully investigate and prosecute human trafficking offenders at various levels.
On the other hand, the MMIWR Task Force focuses on combating the abduction, violence, homicide, and trafficking of Indigenous women and relatives in Wisconsin. In collaboration with the Wisconsin DOJ and Indigenous communities, the task force is examining the factors contributing to the issue and working to improve data collection and reporting methods.
As part of the partnership, the task force leadership plans to engage in regular collaboration and provide shared input on data collection protocols and recommendations for best practices statewide. Additionally, the WAHTTF, MMIWR Task Force, American Indians Against Abuse (AIAA), and Wisconsin DOJ's Office of Crime Victim Services will collaborate on a statewide survey to understand the scope of human trafficking in Native communities and identify barriers to accessing services.
The Wisconsin DOJ recognizes the intersection of human trafficking and MMIWR in the state and is committed to following the guidance of survivors, their families, and the communities most impacted by these crimes.
This partnership between the WAHTTF and MMIWR Task Force marks a significant step in addressing human trafficking in Wisconsin's Indigenous communities. By increasing collaboration and implementing comprehensive strategies, the task forces aim to bring awareness to the issue, identify victims, and prosecute offenders. With a focus on collaboration between law enforcement, tribal leadership, victim advocates, and other disciplines, this partnership seeks to make a meaningful impact in the fight against human trafficking.
To learn more, click on this link: https://www.doj.state.wi.us/news-releases/ag-kaul-announces-new-partnership-between-wisconsin-anti-human-trafficking-and-missing