Nessel discusses human trafficking in the region | News, Sports, Jobs

State Attorney General Dana Nessel laughs with District Governor Gretchen Preston of the Marquette Lions Club. (Photo from Escanaba Daily Press)

MANISTIQUE — On Friday, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined the Upper Peninsula Human Trafficking Task Force for a roundtable discussion.

The event was held at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital in Manistique to discuss the state of human trafficking in the UP, including the state's goals regarding human trafficking and to identify solutions that best serve the community and hold human traffickers accountable for their actions. Actions.

More than 25 representatives and community leaders from various organizations were in attendance. Participants included the Lions Club, Michigan State Police, Delta County Sheriff's Office, victim services centers and representatives from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

District Governor Gretchen Preston of the Marquette Lions Club said it is important to discuss the information shared, especially with loved ones.

“Take this home, tell your family, tell your friends – together we can beat this.” » » said Preston.

Almost everyone said they would like to see more education and training provided to their organizations so they can help stop trafficking where possible, protect the victim and hold the offender accountable.

The informal discussion focused on three essential pillars of the fight against human trafficking: prevention, protection and prosecution.

Prevention involves stopping an act before it happens, by looking for signs or clues that a person might be involved in human trafficking. There are different indicators, but a very common method according to UPHTTF is isolation. Predators use isolation as a way to control the victim and deprive them of their sense of belonging to a community. The UPHTTF said the best way to help is to care.

“Be careful about the people you know or interact with: your children, your students, your tenants, your co-workers. If their friends, schedule, clothes, or personality change, talk about it immediately to find out why. The UPHTTF said in materials provided to participants.

Protection refers to the well-being of the victim, ensuring that they feel safe enough to share traumatic information that allows law enforcement and prosecutors to pursue an offender.

Finally, there are lawsuits, which use the law to hold offenders accountable for their actions.

Nessel expanded on the pillars of protection and prosecution, saying victims must feel comfortable enough to work with law enforcement.

“It is very difficult to prosecute these cases because it is very difficult to get cooperation from victims. » » said Nessel.

She added that this means the victim needs proper treatment and care, whether that is medical care, mental health care or substance abuse treatment.

“There is no way to get their cooperation until they feel like they can completely withdraw from the trafficker and are mentally prepared to participate in prosecution,” » Nessel added.

Unfortunately, UP is a vulnerable area when it comes to human trafficking. According to the UPHTTF, the region is vulnerable due to high poverty rates, substance abuse, lack of mental health services, five tribal nations, shipping channels, cargo ports as well as proximity to the northern border. Human traffickers typically search online for vulnerable victims – especially children – and begin the grooming process.

UPHTTF President Stephanie Graef said those who need it or have questions about human trafficking can visit her website at www.upht123.org or call the administration/helpline. report to 906-299-9243.

Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital CEO Andy Bertapelle spoke about organizing the event, saying he immediately said yes when asked.

“It made so much sense to have the community here because they play a vital role.” said Bertapelle.

Nessel reflected on the discussion, saying it's important for these organizations and groups to work together.

“I think it was an extraordinary discussion,” » said Nessel. “There’s really a need to bring together as many different partnerships (from) all over the Upper Peninsula.”

She said it's important for state officials like her to come talk to local communities and show them the resources the state has.

Graef said she was happy that so many area residents were able to attend.

“I was really encouraged by the participation of Schoolcraft County leaders and, of course, UP leaders who all came together in coalition to, first, recognize that human trafficking is a very serious problem. real here in UP and, secondly, what they can do in their capacity to help combat it,” Graef said.