New case manager to help combat human trafficking

The Family Support Center in Chippewa Falls, has provided free and confidential services to survivors of interpersonal violence including domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking, since 1982. Now, the center recently added a human trafficking case manager to the staff, as part of the Wisconsin Department of Justice Enhanced Collaborative Model Task Force to Combat Human Trafficking.

In additional to lead grantee, Madison’s Project Respect, the Family Support Center is one of only two other agencies statewide, to be selected for this initiative, joining UMOS out of the Fox Valley Region.

The case manager provides comprehensive case management services to survivors in Chippewa and Eau Claire counties, and technical assistance and co-advocacy to other agencies in an eight-county service area.

Included in the messages the case manager passes along, are: “it can happen to anyone,” which can sometimes set off alarm bells for people who are afraid they or their child could be targeted, and trafficked at random.

“Far more frequently, we see factors that create vulnerability to human trafficking, and these are tied to other forms of oppression and social inequities,” said Kenzie, the new case manager. “We need to recognize the root causes and work to end those, while also enhancing safety and wellbeing for existing survivors. Working on this project within an agency like Family Support Center, offers the perfect opportunity to do just that.” All services to survivors of human trafficking are free and confidential. Individuals do not need to identify their experience as “human trafficking” in order to receive support in healing, nor does their trauma need to meet a specific legal definition.

“We look at issues related to violence with a wide lens,” said Kenzie. “My job is to make sure that anyone who needs services is able to access the full range of options when, and how, they choose.”

The Family Support Center also provides free informational presentations, trainings, and other education to groups of professionals or concerned community members.

“It is critical that the public is dealing with clear, accurate information and has the skills to take action in ways that is mindful of their own safety, and the safety of victim-survivors,” said Kenzie. “It is incredibly important to be mindful of what makes a qualified advocate for working with survivors of trauma. This applies not only when searching for help for yourself, but also when referring others to services in the area.”

Even those with the best of intentions are not always equipped to handle the extensive trauma someone may carry. Having an agency with the capacity to serve survivors 24/7 is necessary when talking about things like domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.

For more information about human trafficking and/or services provided by the Family Support Center, contact Kenzie, at 715-861-3787.