By MEAGAN RICO
MSN, RN, Health Educator- Saline County Health Department
Human trafficking is a grave human rights violation and a pressing public health concern that affects communities across the United States—including right here in Kansas. The Kansas Attorney General's Office defines human trafficking as "based on recruiting, harboring and/or transporting people solely for exploitation."
As we observe Human Trafficking Prevention Month this January, Saline County residents must understand that our state is not immune to this crisis. As community members, we all have a role to play in recognizing the signs, preventing exploitation, and supporting survivors. In this article, we'll explore the scope of human trafficking in Kansas, identify who's at risk, and learn how we can work together to combat this issue in Saline County and beyond.
Scope of the Problem
With its central location and network of interstate highways, Kansas has unfortunately become a significant originating state for human trafficking. The United States Department of Justice defines an originating state as the location from which human trafficking stems. This hidden crime exploits vulnerable individuals, particularly youth and those in rural areas, for forced labor or commercial sex.
Both Wichita and Kansas City have been recognized as major originating cities for human trafficking [1]. The vast rural areas in Western Kansas are also conducive to human trafficking for forced labor on farms and in food processing plants [1].
Key Statistics
There's an estimated 2,300 juvenile victims of commercial sexual exploitation annually in Kansas [1].
Approximately 400 adult victims of commercial sexual exploitation annually [1].
Around 300 estimated annual victims of labor exploitation [1].
Since its inception, the National Human Trafficking Hotline has identified 808 cases of human trafficking in Kansas [4].
1,536 victims were identified in these cases [4].
The Human Trafficking Hotline has received 2,980 signals from Kansas since its inception [4].
Forced commercial sexual exploitation generated $173 billion in illegal profits annually [11]
Vulnerable Populations
Runaways are particularly vulnerable to trafficking. As an example, Officers in the Wichita-Sedgwick County Exploited and Missing Child Unit report that sex traffickers often pick up runaways within 48 hours of their being on the streets and transport them to either Dallas or Chicago within 72 hours [1]. In 2009, there were 4,735 runaway children cases reported to law enforcement in Kansas [1]. According to World's Children, minors make up 27% of victims, and of those children, 66% are girls.
Unfortunately, data does not reflect a completely accurate picture of who is vulnerable. According to the U.S. Department of State's 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report, research has shown that men and boys are less likely to self-identify as victims of human trafficking due to the significant risk of stigma and shame associated with reporting, while the lack of resources for male victims also remains an important barrier.
Law Enforcement and Training
While Wichita and Kansas City have some specialized law enforcement units addressing the problem, the vast majority of Kansas remains vulnerable ground for human traffickers [1]. A 2009-2010 survey of Kansas officers revealed a perceived need for training on various aspects of human trafficking, including current laws, identifying cases, investigation methods, and understanding victims' rights.
Efforts to Combat Trafficking
The Kansas Attorney General's Office collaborates with universities such as Wichita State University's Center for Combating Human Trafficking (WSU CCHT) to address the issue [5].
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Kansas City office is actively working to combat human trafficking in the region [6].
The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 "equipped the U.S. Government with new tools and resources to mount a comprehensive and coordinated campaign to eliminate modern forms of slavery domestically and internationally," according to the U.S. Department of Justice. It also established three pillars in the fight: protection, prevention, and prosecution [11].
The United States' Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons publishes a Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report annually. It is the world's most comprehensive resource for governmental anti-trafficking efforts [11].
Local law enforcement agencies, such as the Salina Police Department, are committed to combating human trafficking [7].
What You Can Do
Learn the signs of human trafficking.. Take action by joining non-profit organizations like OurRescue.org or SaveTheChildren.org
Support local non-profit organizations, like DVACK (Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas).
Report potential cases of human trafficking to local authorities or the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
Impact on Victims
Human trafficking has severe consequences for its victims, often involving physical and sexual abuse. Service providers in Kansas report that both sex and labor trafficking involve high degrees of violence [3]. Victims may experience trauma, poverty, and various health issues as a result of their exploitation.
Human trafficking remains a pressing issue in Kansas, affecting both urban and rural areas. While efforts are being made to combat this crime, there is still a significant need for increased awareness, training, and resources to address the problem and support victims effectively.
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