The Nurses Against Human Trafficking Mutual Interest Group (MIG) brings together Wisconsin nurses committed to addressing human trafficking as a critical public health issue. The MIG focuses on education, evidence-based nursing practice, advocacy, and professional collaboration to support prevention, identification, and response efforts across the state.

Human trafficking disproportionately affects women and children and results in profound physical, emotional, and social harm. Nurses are often among the first professionals to encounter victims, positioning nursing as essential to prevention, intervention, and referral.

Purpose

The purpose of the Nurses Against Human Trafficking MIG is to:

• Promote education and awareness among nurses
• Support evidence-based nursing practice
• Advance statewide advocacy efforts
• Foster professional networking and collaboration
• Address human trafficking as a public health issue impacting nursing practice

This MIG affirms that:

• Human trafficking is a public health issue affecting nursing practice
• Nurses must be equipped to identify and appropriately refer victims
• Legislative and policy efforts are essential to reduce trafficking and protect vulnerable populations

The Issue: Human Trafficking in Wisconsin

Human trafficking is a form of exploitation in which individuals are compelled through force, fraud, or coercion to engage in commercial sex or labor against their will. Although often thought of as a problem that occurs elsewhere, human trafficking affects communities throughout Wisconsin and across the United States.

Victims may be children or adults and come from every race, gender, socioeconomic background, and geographic area. Many continue to interact with healthcare providers while they are being trafficked, making nurses uniquely positioned to recognize warning signs and connect individuals with appropriate resources.

What is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is the exploitation of a person through force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of commercial sex or labor. Under federal law, any commercial sex act involving a minor is considered human trafficking regardless of whether force, fraud, or coercion is present.

Trafficking often occurs in situations where victims are isolated, manipulated, threatened, or controlled by another person. Many victims do not identify themselves as being trafficked and may seek healthcare for unrelated medical concerns while exploitation continues.

Types of Trafficking

Human trafficking generally falls into two primary categories:

Sex Trafficking

Sex trafficking involves the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act through force, fraud, or coercion. Any commercial sex act involving a child under the age of 18 is considered sex trafficking regardless of force, fraud, or coercion.

Labor Trafficking

Labor trafficking occurs when individuals are compelled through force, fraud, or coercion to provide labor or services. Victims may be found in agriculture, hospitality, domestic work, construction, manufacturing, restaurants, healthcare support services, and other industries.

Wisconsin Statistics

Human trafficking is a documented issue in Wisconsin communities.

Recent reports include:

• In 2024, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received 277 calls originating from Wisconsin.
• 111 human trafficking cases were identified in Wisconsin during 2024.
• Wisconsin agencies identified 181 trafficking victims.
• Confirmed trafficking cases included 59 sex trafficking cases, 22 labor trafficking cases, and 15 cases involving both sex and labor trafficking.
• 82 confirmed victims were adults and 26 were minors.
• 79 confirmed victims were female, while 25 were male.

Because these statistics come from different reporting systems, calls, cases, and victims represent different measures and should not be compared directly.

Myths vs. Facts

Myth:

Human trafficking only happens in large cities.

Fact: Human trafficking occurs in urban, suburban, and rural communities throughout Wisconsin.

Myth:

Victims will ask for help if they need it.

Fact: Many victims are fearful, manipulated, threatened, or do not recognize themselves as victims.

Myth:

Only women and girls are trafficked.

Fact: Human trafficking affects people of every age, gender, race, and socioeconomic background.

Myth:

Trafficking always involves kidnapping.

Fact: Many victims know their trafficker and are controlled through psychological manipulation, threats, financial dependence, or coercion rather than physical restraint.

Why Nurses Play a Critical Role

Healthcare professionals are among the few professionals who may encounter victims while trafficking is actively occurring. Individuals experiencing trafficking often seek medical care for injuries, chronic illness, pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, mental health concerns, substance use disorders, or routine healthcare needs without disclosing their situation.

Nurses working in emergency departments, urgent care, primary care, labor and delivery, school health, behavioral health, community health, and correctional settings all have opportunities to recognize potential indicators and respond using trauma-informed care.

Early recognition, compassionate communication, and knowledge of available resources can make a significant difference in connecting victims with safety and support.

Wisconsin Resources

The following organizations provide trusted information, education, and resources to help healthcare professionals recognize, prevent, and respond to human trafficking in Wisconsin.

• National Human Trafficking Hotline
• Wisconsin Department of Children and Families Anti-Human Trafficking Toolkit
• Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Human Trafficking Resources
• Shared Hope International Wisconsin State Report Card

Awareness Campaign: #ForThe50

The #ForThe50 campaign raises awareness of the estimated 50 million people worldwide living in modern slavery.

To participate, form the #ForThe50 symbol by making a fist with one hand and holding up five fingers with the other. Share your photo on social media using #ForThe50 to help educate others and increase awareness of human trafficking.

Victims of human trafficking often seek medical care while exploitation is ongoing, but they rarely disclose what is happening directly. Instead, they may present with a combination of physical, behavioral, psychological, or environmental indicators. No single indicator confirms that a person is being trafficked. However, recognizing patterns and approaching patients with trauma-informed care can help nurses identify individuals who may need additional assessment and support.

Adult Indicators

Adult patients experiencing trafficking may:

• Be accompanied by someone who refuses to leave or answers questions for them.
• Appear fearful, anxious, submissive, or unusually nervous.
• Avoid eye contact or seem hesitant to speak openly.
• Provide inconsistent or scripted explanations for injuries or circumstances.
• Lack identification or have someone else holding their documents.
• Show signs of isolation or restricted communication.
• Report long work hours with little freedom or control over their schedule.
• Be unable to describe where they live or work.

Pediatric Indicators

Children and adolescents may:

• Be accompanied by an unrelated or controlling adult.
• Have repeated episodes of running away or chronic truancy.
• Exhibit age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behavior.
• Possess expensive items or large amounts of cash without explanation.
• Have an older controlling partner.
• Experience frequent changes in caregivers or housing.
• Show signs of anxiety, depression, or trauma.

Behavioral Indicators

Behavioral signs may include:

• Fear, anxiety, depression, or emotional withdrawal.
• Reluctance to answer questions.
• Another person speaking on the patient's behalf.
• Hypervigilance or exaggerated startle response.
• Difficulty explaining injuries.
• Evidence of coercion or control.
• Substance use.
• Suicidal thoughts or previous suicide attempts.

Physical Indicators

Possible physical findings include:

• Bruises, burns, cuts, fractures, or injuries in various stages of healing.
• Signs of physical or sexual assault.
• Malnutrition or dehydration.
• Poor hygiene or untreated medical conditions.
• Chronic pain or fatigue.
• Sexually transmitted infections.
• Multiple pregnancies or reproductive health concerns.
• Tattoos or branding that may indicate ownership or control.

Environmental Indicators

Situational observations may include:

• Patient is never allowed to speak alone.
• Companion refuses to leave the examination room.
• Patient lacks control of money, identification, or personal belongings.
• Frequent emergency department visits with vague histories.
• Living where they work.
• No permanent address.
• Little knowledge of their current location.

Quick Reference Checklist

Consider additional assessment if the patient:

☐ Appears fearful or controlled by another person

☐ Cannot speak privately

☐ Has inconsistent explanations for injuries

☐ Lacks identification or control of personal documents

☐ Shows signs of physical or sexual abuse

☐ Displays multiple behavioral, physical, or environmental indicators

The presence of one indicator does not confirm human trafficking. When multiple indicators are present, use trauma-informed communication and follow your organization's policies for assessment, reporting, and referral.

References

• HEAL Trafficking & Hope for Justice – Protocol Toolkit for Developing a Response to Victims of Human Trafficking in Health Care Settings
• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – SOAR to Health and Wellness Training
• National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center (NHTTAC)
• Wisconsin Department of Children and Families – Anti-Human Trafficking Toolkit

Nursing's Role in Response

When a patient may be experiencing human trafficking, the nurse's role is to recognize concerns, prioritize patient safety, use trauma-informed communication, and connect the patient with appropriate resources. The goal is not to investigate or rescue a patient, but to provide compassionate care and follow established reporting and referral protocols.

Observe

Pay attention to verbal, behavioral, and environmental cues that may indicate exploitation.

Notice if the patient:

• Is accompanied by someone who insists on speaking for them or refuses to leave.
• Appears fearful, anxious, submissive, or unusually nervous.
• Has unexplained injuries, signs of abuse, malnutrition, or frequent sexually transmitted infections.
• Lacks personal identification, money, a phone, or control of personal belongings.
• Provides inconsistent explanations or avoids answering questions directly.

Remember that no single indicator confirms human trafficking. Consider the patient's overall presentation.

Ask

Whenever possible, speak with the patient privately.

Use open-ended, nonjudgmental questions such as:

• "Are you able to come and go as you please?"
• "Is someone preventing you from leaving your home or job?"
• "Do you feel safe where you live and work?"
• "Would you like help connecting with support services?"

Use a professional medical interpreter when language assistance is needed. Never use a companion or potential trafficker to interpret.

Trauma-Informed Communication

When speaking with a patient:

• Build trust before asking sensitive questions.
• Speak calmly and respectfully.
• Avoid judgmental or accusatory language.
• Respect the patient's choices and autonomy.
• Explain what you are doing and why.
• Focus on creating a safe environment where the patient feels heard and supported.

Remember that many victims are not ready or able to disclose their situation during an initial healthcare encounter.

Documentation

Document objectively and factually.

Include:

• Patient statements using direct quotations whenever possible.
• Observable behaviors.
• Physical findings and injuries.
• Who accompanied the patient.
• Any interventions or referrals provided.

Avoid documenting conclusions such as "victim of trafficking" unless confirmed through appropriate legal or investigative processes. Instead, document observations and clinical findings.

Immediate Next Steps

If concerns remain after assessment:

• Follow your organization's policies and procedures.
• Notify your supervisor, charge nurse, social worker, case manager, or other designated team member.
• Consult a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) or forensic nurse when available.
• Provide information about available support services when it is safe to do so.
• Follow Wisconsin reporting requirements for minors or vulnerable adults.

Remember that an adult with decision-making capacity has the right to decline assistance unless another mandatory reporting requirement applies.

What NOT to Do

Avoid actions that could place the patient at greater risk.

Do not:

• Confront the suspected trafficker.
• Alert a companion to your concerns.
• Attempt to rescue the patient on your own.
• Force the patient to disclose information.
• Use judgmental language.
• Promise complete confidentiality if mandatory reporting laws apply.
• Label the patient as a trafficking victim in the medical record unless legally confirmed.

References

SOAR to Health and Wellness Training (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services)

HEAL Trafficking & Hope for Justice

American Hospital Association – Human Trafficking Resources

Polaris Project – Healthcare Response Toolkit

National Human Trafficking Hotline – Healthcare Resources

Wisconsin Department of Justice – Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program

Training and CE Opportunities

Education is one of the most effective ways healthcare professionals can improve the identification and response to human trafficking. The following organizations provide continuing education, webinars, toolkits, and other professional development resources for nurses and healthcare teams.

Continuing Education Courses

The following organizations offer formal education, self-paced learning, or continuing education opportunities related to human trafficking.

SOAR to Health and Wellness Training

Developed by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, SOAR (Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond) is a nationally recognized training program that equips healthcare professionals to identify and respond to potential victims of human trafficking using a trauma-informed approach. Website

International Association of Forensic Nurses

Provides webinars, continuing education, professional resources, and training related to forensic nursing and the care of victims of violence, including human trafficking. Website

WNA Education Offerings

The Wisconsin Nurses Association periodically offers webinars and educational programming on human trafficking and related topics.

Current offerings may include:

• Live webinars
• Recorded educational sessions
• Continuing education opportunities
• Resources developed by the Nurses Against Human Trafficking Mutual Interest Group

WNA Webinar Series

HEAL Resources

HEAL Trafficking is an interdisciplinary organization dedicated to improving healthcare's response to human trafficking. Resources include:

• Clinical protocols
• Educational toolkits
• Research
• Best practices
• Professional guidance

Website

Videos and Webinars

The following organizations provide webinars, videos, and educational content:

• Wisconsin Department of Justice
• Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
• Wisconsin Child Abuse Network
• HEAL Trafficking
• Emergency Nurses Association (assumed the membership of International Association of Forensic Nurses)

Podcasts

Healthcare professionals looking to continue learning may also find podcasts and recorded interviews through:

COMING SOON

Additional Educational Resources

Additional organizations offering training, educational materials, or awareness resources include:

• Our Rescue
• Love146
• Altus

Toolkits and Resources

Healthcare professionals have access to a variety of evidence-based toolkits, screening resources, research publications, and educational materials to support the identification and response to human trafficking. The resources below are organized by purpose to make it easier to find the information you need.

Screening Tools and Assessment Instruments

These resources provide structured screening tools and assessment guidance for identifying potential victims of human trafficking in healthcare settings.

• HEAL Trafficking  Training Assessment Tool
• Polaris Training Resources
• Engage Together – Human Trafficking Resources by Discipline

Healthcare Toolkits

Comprehensive guidance for healthcare organizations and clinicians.

• HEAL Trafficking Protocol Toolkit
• HEAL Trafficking Labor Trafficking Case Studies & Best Practices
• HEAL Trafficking Initial Steps to California SB 963 Compliance (This is for reference as this is California-specific resource)
• American Hospital Association Human Trafficking Response Resources

Downloadable Guides and Checklists

Ready-to-use educational materials and awareness resources.

• Human Trafficking Prevention Month Toolkit
• Blue Campaign Toolkits and Guides
• Human Trafficking Search Educator Awareness & Prevention Toolkit
• Human Trafficking in America's Schools (U.S. Department of Education)

Research and Publications

Organizations providing current research, publications, and professional resources.

• Human Trafficking Search Research Guides
• Human Trafficking Search Toolkits
• Fight to End Exploitation Learning Library
• HEAL Trafficking Research Library
• Love146 Publications and Presentations

Books

Not a Number - A human trafficking prevention curriculum developed by Love146 that focuses on building healthy relationships, recognizing exploitation, and preventing trafficking among youth.

Public Education Materials

Educational resources that may be useful for community outreach, prevention efforts, and patient education.

• Human Trafficking Prevention Month Toolkit
• Blue Campaign public awareness materials
• Wisconsin Department of Justice Human Trafficking Awareness Materials

How to Report and Refer

When human trafficking is suspected, the nurse's primary responsibility is to prioritize patient safety, follow organizational policies, and make appropriate referrals. Reporting requirements vary depending on the patient's age, circumstances, and applicable state and federal laws.

Immediate Danger

If a patient is in immediate danger or requires emergency medical assistance:

• Call 911 immediately.
• Follow your organization's emergency response procedures.
• Prioritize the safety of the patient, staff, and others in the clinical setting.

National Human Trafficking Hotline

The National Human Trafficking Hotline provides confidential assistance, safety planning, and referrals to local services.

Phone: 888-373-7888

The hotline is available to assist healthcare professionals, victims, family members, and community members seeking guidance or support.

Blue Campaign – Report Human Trafficking - 866-347-2423

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Blue Campaign also provides reporting guidance and educational resources.

Wisconsin Reporting Requirements

Wisconsin reporting requirements depend on the patient's age, circumstances, and applicable mandatory reporting laws.

When reporting is required:

• Follow your organization's reporting policies.
• Contact Child Protective Services when abuse or trafficking of a minor is suspected.
• Follow Wisconsin mandatory reporting requirements for children and vulnerable adults.
• Consult your supervisor, social worker, or legal/risk management team if questions arise.

Note: Adults with decision-making capacity generally have the right to decline assistance unless another mandatory reporting requirement applies.

Victim Services and Support

Whenever appropriate and safe:

• Provide information about available victim advocacy services.
• Offer referrals to community organizations specializing in human trafficking.
• Involve social work, case management, victim advocacy, or forensic nursing services when available.
• Respect the patient's autonomy and decisions regarding available resources.

Community Resources

Community resources may include:

• Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
• Local victim service agencies
• Community-based advocacy organizations
• Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs
• Domestic violence programs
• County human services agencies

Referral Guides

When making referrals:

• Follow established organizational protocols.
• Document referrals provided.
• Share only the information necessary to facilitate appropriate care.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary team members whenever possible.

Remember that referral is a collaborative process centered on patient safety, dignity, and informed decision-making.

Advocacy and Policy Work

Human trafficking prevention requires collaboration among healthcare professionals, legislators, advocacy organizations, and community partners. This section highlights Wisconsin legislation, federal resources, and opportunities for nurses to stay informed and engaged.

Wisconsin Legislation

Current Wisconsin legislation related to human trafficking includes:

Life Imprisonment for Child Trafficking

2025 Assembly Bill 86

This legislation addresses penalties related to child trafficking.

Human Trafficking and Trafficking of a Child

2025 Assembly Bill 265 / Senate Bill 266

Legislation addressing trafficking offenses and associated criminal penalties.

Crime Victim Notification Cards

2025 Assembly Bill 370 / Senate Bill 372

Legislation related to crime victim notification resources.

Policy Updates and Alerts

Laws and guidance related to human trafficking continue to evolve.

Members are encouraged to:

• Monitor Wisconsin legislative updates.
• Follow Wisconsin Nurses Association policy updates.
• Review changes to federal guidance affecting healthcare professionals.

Advocacy Opportunities

Nurses can play an important role in preventing human trafficking by:

• Supporting evidence-based legislation.
• Participating in advocacy efforts.
• Sharing educational resources.
• Raising awareness within their communities.
• Participating in WNA advocacy initiatives.

COMING SOON

Join the Task Force and Get Involved

Interested in helping advance nursing's response to human trafficking? The Nurses Against Human Trafficking Mutual Interest Group welcomes nurses who are passionate about education, advocacy, collaboration, and improving care for individuals affected by human trafficking.

Meeting Information and Updates

Meeting dates, upcoming events, and group updates will be posted here.

Volunteer Opportunities

Members may have opportunities to:

• Assist with educational initiatives.
• Review and develop nursing resources.
• Support awareness campaigns.
• Participate in advocacy efforts.
• Collaborate on projects that advance the MIG's mission.

Ways to Get Involved

There are many ways to support the work of the Nurses Against Human Trafficking Mutual Interest Group:

• Attend a meeting.
• Participate in educational programs.
• Volunteer for committee projects.
• Share professional expertise and resources.
• Help promote awareness within your workplace and community.

Contact the MIG

Questions about the Mutual Interest Group or opportunities to participate?

Contact the Nurses Against Human Trafficking Mutual Interest Group by email.