SHAWANO, WI – The Executive Director of Safe Haven, Mindy Lohff, is reminding the community that human trafficking can affect anyone. Lohff says while no one is immune, certain factors can place individuals at a higher risk of being targeted by traffickers.
Lohff explains that traffickers often look for vulnerabilities they can exploit. Individuals who have previously experienced violence, including sexual abuse or domestic violence, may be more susceptible. She also notes that juveniles who have run away from home are at a significantly higher risk due to a lack of stability and support.
According to Lohff, traffickers are skilled at recognizing these situations and using manipulation, coercion, or false promises to gain control over their victims. She says understanding these risk factors is an important step in prevention and early intervention.
Lohff emphasizes that help is available and urges anyone who may be at risk, or who knows someone who could be in danger, to seek assistance right away. Safe Haven offers a confidential 24-hour crisis call line and text line through its website for individuals seeking support and resources.
Safe Haven continues to work with the community to raise awareness, provide outreach, and support survivors as part of its mission to help people move toward safety and freedom from violence.
Comments