Some hopeful news in jump in trafficking cases

It is shocking that sex-trafficking cases in Wichita have increased by more than 50 percent this year. But if there is a positive, it’s that the increase may be due to better recognition of the problem, not more exploitation.

So far this year, there have been 44 cases of sex trafficking reported in Wichita, up from 29 in 2014. That’s a stunning increase for a crime that many people wouldn’t expect to exist in Wichita.

Still, Jennifer White, founder of ICT S.O.S., a grassroots organization that combats trafficking and abuse, thinks the increase may be a form of hopeful news.

“I don’t necessarily think that we’ve had more activity but that we’re getting better at identifying it, which means more victims are getting help,” she told The Eagle.

Hospital employees at Via Christi Health and Wichita police officers have received training on recognizing potential victims. Other groups, including the Center for Combating Human Trafficking at Wichita State University, are raising awareness of the problem and seeking solutions.

Because many sex-trafficking victims are first “groomed” through online chat rooms, the Sedgwick County-administered Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children task force is another important partner in this fight.

The state also stepped up in recent years. Attorney General Derek Schmidt and Gov. Sam Brownback pushed for new laws to combat human trafficking. In fact, Shared Hope International recently changed the state’s grade for combating child sex trafficking from C to B based on a law change allowing wiretapping in human trafficking investigations.

In addition to law enforcement efforts to catch predators, groups are working on prevention. ICT S.O.S has begun teaching students in middle and high schools about risk factors for trafficking, healthy and unhealthy relationships, and available resources for help.

Several local agencies also help victims of abuse and human trafficking – which is one way the public can get involved. ICT S.O.S. provides these groups with “fresh start” duffel bags that include new clothing, hygiene items, a comfort item and a fast-food gift card.

To find out about contributing one of these bags, go to ictsos.org/freshstartbags/. Financial donations can be sent to ICT S.O.S., P.O. Box 8637, Wichita, KS 67208.

Of all the gifts this holiday season, a fresh start bag could be the most important.

This story was originally published December 2, 2015 at 6:08 PM with the headline "Some hopeful news in jump in trafficking cases."