'It happens here,' Call to Freedom director says of human trafficking

Yahoo

14-05-2025

May 13—MITCHELL — Five clients of Call to Freedom from Mitchell. Countless more across South Dakota. And for Davison County Sheriff Steve Harr, a case that still sticks in his mind, where justice never came.
This stark reality was shared Tuesday afternoon at the Mitchell Lions Club meeting, where members heard from Call to Freedom, a Sioux Falls-based nonprofit that has worked with survivors of human trafficking across the state since 2016.
"Human trafficking is a reality in South Dakota," said Rachel Schartz, director of impact and program relations with Call to Freedom. "It happens in every community in South Dakota. And until we educate ourselves and become aware, take our heads out of the sand, we'll never be able to solve this issue."
Since its founding, Call to Freedom says it has served more than 1,500 clients — many of whom are from smaller, rural communities like Mitchell. The organization has worked in 61 of the state's 66 counties, providing support to individuals statewide. In 2023, Call to Freedom provided assistance to a record 527 individuals.
The event was organized by District 20 Sen. Paul Miskimins, a former Lions Club president, who invited Schartz after hearing her speak at the South Dakota Lions convention earlier this year. He hoped the presentation would raise awareness about human trafficking in the state and the resources available for those impacted.
"I brought her here to share about human trafficking and what they're doing to help those who have been impacted," Miskimins said. "When you're in the legislature, you have an opportunity to do good — to help others and to try to build a better future for people in South Dakota."
Among those listening to Schartz's presentation were Sheriff Steve Harr and Chief Deputy Tim Reitzel, both of whom have worked closely with Call to Freedom, referring individuals in need of support. Schartz confirmed that at least five clients of Call to Freedom have come from Mitchell. Harr added that while some cases might not have been officially labeled as trafficking, several over the years, including one particularly memorable case, likely fit under that umbrella.
"Unfortunately, none of those cases ever moved far enough along in the legal process to find justice," Harr said.
Schartz explained that getting trafficking cases to court is a persistent challenge. Victims often don't recognize themselves as victims, especially when manipulation or coercion is involved, sometimes by close family members or trusted acquaintances. Fear of retaliation and a distrust of the system also prevent many from speaking out.
"The reality is that human trafficking doesn't always look like what you might expect. It can be someone you know, a family member, or even a trusted friend," Schartz said. "That's why it's so hard to get these cases to a place where we can prosecute them."
A new state law, set to take effect on July 1, is seen as a potential game-changer in addressing these challenges. Previously, individuals convicted of trafficking could have their entire sentence suspended, allowing traffickers to avoid serving time. The new law aligns South Dakota's sentencing guidelines with federal law, eliminating the option for suspended sentences in trafficking convictions. This is a critical step in ensuring that those convicted face the full consequences of their actions.
"I'm glad the new legislation will be in place should we ever need it," Harr said.
Schartz believes the law will serve as a valuable tool in combating trafficking in the future, sending a stronger message that South Dakota will not tolerate trafficking.
Since its founding in 2016, Call to Freedom has helped survivors rebuild their lives. Its new facility in Sioux Falls, which opened in late April, is designed to better meet the needs of survivors. The facility features expanded services, including therapy rooms, emergency supplies, a clothing boutique, and more space for training and volunteer activities.
Schartz emphasized that many people still believe human trafficking only occurs in large cities or involves international smuggling, but that's not the case. Victims can be trafficked locally, and many are manipulated or coerced into exploitative situations by those closest to them.
"Too often, young people are exchanging inappropriate material with someone they believe to be a peer, when in reality, it's an adult manipulating the situation," Schartz said. "This is one of the many ways traffickers exploit vulnerabilities and take advantage of our youth."
Schartz also discussed how trafficking can be difficult to identify. Survivors may not always show visible signs of abuse, and the trauma can affect every aspect of their lives, from their mental health to their physical well-being. She advised the Lions Club members to trust their instincts when encountering situations that feel wrong.
"If you suspect someone might be involved in trafficking, trust your gut," she said. "It's not always easy to spot, but if something feels off, don't ignore it."
The discussion also touched on prevention efforts, with Call to Freedom working to educate communities about trafficking and provide resources for individuals who may be at risk. The organization collaborates closely with law enforcement, medical professionals, and social services to intervene quickly when trafficking situations are identified.
"We need more than just awareness," Schartz said. "We need action, education, and resources to support these survivors."
Miskimins, reflecting on the day's discussion, reminded the group of the importance of continuing to shine a light on difficult issues like human trafficking.
"Cherish your victories," Miskimins said. "Because you can't win all the time and sometimes it's a tragedy and it hurts. But when you make a difference, those are the ones you've got to hold on to."