More than 20 Wisconsin counties have reported incidents of sex trafficking, with nearly 80 cases in Milwaukee, according to data compiled by Hope Run Kenosha. Every 10 minutes, a woman or child is trafficked in the U.S., resulting in more than 15,000 victims each year.

An official with the Department of Homeland Security volunteering at the event said there are hundreds of cases of prostitution and labor exploitation in southeastern Wisconsin, and described Kenosha as a “stopping spot” between Chicago and Milwaukee.

“Human trafficking is an issue everywhere, and we need to do a better job of educating the public about it,” said Kenosha Police Officer Jeff Wamboldt. “Twelve and 13-year-olds are the primary target, that’s middle schoolers. We need to get the word out to parents and teachers.”

Wamboldt recommends parents pay attention to their child’s demeanor and social media accounts. “If your child is being targeted, there is going to be a change. Dig around and ask questions,” he added.

Chris Oertel, director of Royal Family KIDS, a local camp for abused children in and around Kenosha and Racine counties, attended the event and said she hopes it will encourage locals and law enforcement officials to focus more attention on child sexual abuse.

“I think only recently things have been said about human trafficking,” she said. “People think this only happens in bigger cities, in other countries. But it happens here.”

Kenoshanews.com I Need to look up information on the foundation