Community leaders bring awareness to sex trafficking across Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --- Community and religious leaders are coming together to bring awareness to sex trafficking across Wisconsin and the nation.

Leaders say human trafficking affects teenagers and is a form of modern day slavery and is an epidemic. Milwaukee is the sixth in the nation for human trafficking.

Monday is the kickoff of HEMAD or Human Trafficking Educators Working With Men And Boys To Stand Against The Demand.

HEMAD is hoping to get 60,000 men to take the pledge to stand up against human trafficking. HEMAD is a program of convergence resource center, which is a faith-based organization helping women rebuild their lives after trauma.

Mayor Tom Barrett says it is an issue that needs to be addressed.

“That’s the goal that we must all share and work toward every single day and again the people who are gathered here today are the people that are very much involved in that," Barrett said. "I appreciate the work you are doing but to do this, to reach our goal requires consistent and strong consequences for individuals engaged in the commercial exploitation of women an children. Healing centers supported for survivors and investment in prevention-based efforts such as the campaign being launched today."

If you want to take the pledge or learn more information, click here.