Lantern walk in Minooka Park shines light on darkness of human trafficking

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WAUKESHA COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A Waukesha-based organization wants people to know human trafficking's a problem everywhere. Friday, the Redeem & Restore Center hosted its Wisconsin Lantern Walk at Minooka Park. 

They're carrying lanterns on a one-mile walk, in an effort to shine a light on the darkness that human trafficking survivors sadly know all too well.

"Communities in general don't want people to know it's happening there because that will make them look bad from the people's perspective," said Krista Hull of Redeem & Restore Center.

At dusk, dozens of supporters joined Krista Hull, who's been serving the community for ten years. This year is no different. Redeem & Restore Center has bought a house for human trafficking survivors.

"Six women will be able to live there for up to 24 months. It is not emergency shelter. It is a place to come to start to rebuild the foundation so they can begin again and start over a real life of freedom," said Hull.

It’s a night of fun, family, food and surprises. Even some four-legged friends were there to help women recovering from sex trafficking and exploitation.

Dr. Angelique Lewis encourages survivors to take that first step and reach out for help.

"Trauma is really significant in just trying to get back into a base line of quality of life and so sometimes from that depression sometimes comes up, anxiety, and so we really work with individuals across that span, but for folks who've dealt with trafficking, there's a lot of trauma that's involved with that," said Dr. Angelique Lewis of Grace Healing & Wellness Center.

Redeem & Restore's color is purple, for a purpose.

"It also can mean royalty and again I want the word redeem to redeem what they've been told, what has been done to them and in turn give them life, give them redemption and give them the place of freedom that they deserve," said Hull.

Redeem & Restore's event was called, "All We Need Is LOVE," and it was certainly one that fits. 

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