An anti-abuse advocate says Wisconsin needs to keep better tabs on human trafficking. Marianna Smirnova with the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault (WCASA). She says the most recent data collection research was done in 2007 when the legislature was considering a Victims Protection Act, which was later signed into law.
Although some follow up surveys have been done in the private sector, she would like to see consistent public sector research similar to Minnesota which conducts annual data collection.
Smirnova is part of the state Office of Justice Assistance Committee on Human Trafficking which has been working on a protocol for communities to consider adopting, in training and responding to the crime. The panel is also pushing for funding direct services for victims.