Latest news with #CalltoFreedom
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
'It happens here,' Call to Freedom director says of human trafficking
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."
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announces new ad campaign
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — While the Trump Administration and Department of Government Efficiency proclaim the goal is to reduce government overspending and waste, the Department of Homeland Security is announcing an international, multi-million dollar ad campaign. In a Monday night post on X, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem introduces herself and thanks President Trump for securing the border. She then tells anyone 'considering entering the United States illegally – don't even think about it.' The ads will run on radio, television, and even social media, according to the DHS website. An immigrant's role in agriculture There are two versions of the DHS advertisement: a domestic version that will air across America, and an international version that will air in 'multiple' countries. In the domestic ad, Noem says that President Trump 'has a clear message for those that are in our country illegally.' 'Leave now. If you don't, we will find you and we will deport you. You will never return,' Noem says in the ad. She also criticizes 'weak politicians' who 'left our borders wide open.' This is not the first time Kristi Noem has made herself the star of a government-funded ad campaign. Starting in 2023, Noem played a plumber, dentist, State Trooper, and more in the 'Freedom Works Here' series of nine advertisements while governor of South Dakota. The campaign also included South Dakota sponsoring a bottom-ranked NASCAR team. State lawmakers questioned the use of $5 million of state funds for the campaign in November of 2023. However, reporting by the South Dakota Searchlight in April 2024 found that number to be closer to $9 million. There is not a lot of hard data to justify a multi-million dollar workforce campaign. According to the Freedom Works Here website, about 11,400 workers are interested in moving to South Dakota, with about 3,000 getting assistance through the workforce development program. According to the state's Department of Labor and Regulation, South Dakota's workforce grew 1.1% from December 2023 to December 2024; or an increase of about 6,000 people. Another ad campaign gained South Dakota national attention with social media users riffing on the slogan 'Meth. We're on It.' Then Governor Noem defended the $1.4 million campaign, saying the purpose was to raise awareness and the slogan accomplished that. The 2019 'Meth. We're on It' campaign was Noem's first ad campaign as newly-elected governor. Call to Freedom supporting bill to raise marriage age in South Dakota Noem faced another advertisement-related controversy when she posted a video to her personal social media accounts promoting a Texas-based dentist that fixed her teeth. The video went up on March 11, 2024. By March 14, Noem and the dentistry faced a lawsuit by a consumer advocacy group. The Governor, her office, and the dentistry mentioned in the video did not respond to questions about the influencer-style ad and if Noem was compensated in any way. The international ad campaign is the latest action by Secretary Noem that has drawn criticism. During her first week, Noem donned an ICE bullet-proof vest and tagged along with agents conducting illegal immigration raids in New York City. Critics said that Noem was there merely for publicity. Meanwhile, state and city leaders said the raids were part of months-long routine investigations, and not new efforts to crackdown on illegal immigration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Trapped' film raises human trafficking awareness
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – A film produced in North Dakota is raising awareness about human trafficking. 'Trapped' tells the story of two young girls facing abuse and exploitation. One finds herself in a similar situation to another girl who's gone missing. Turner County Courthouse's structural problems started over a year ago 'It's a film based on hundreds of true stories here in America,' producer and director Ejaz Khan said. Khan said the idea for the film came after his own interaction with a victim he met in North Dakota, where the movie was later produced. 'She was diminished to a point where she didn't think much about herself, and it was done to her by her own family. I just don't think that's right,' Khan said. Call to Freedom CEO Becky Rasmussen discovered the movie and decided to partner with producers to offer a free showing Tuesday evening at the State Theatre. 'We felt like it was a really good representation of what we're seeing of those that are being impacted by human trafficking, walking through the doors of Call to Freedom,' Rasmussen said. A tabling event and post-show Q&A were also a part of the evening. Over 180 people signed up. 'I'm so grateful to this community that it's not afraid to acknowledge this issue, to learn about it, because as soon as we stop acknowledging that human trafficking is happening in every community is when victims don't come forward, they don't get the help they need, and that we become ignorant to this happening and falling prey to it as well,' Rasmussen said. Rasmussen said South Dakota isn't immune to these crimes, and raising awareness about the topic is a step forward. To watch the movie trailer, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
