YWCA of Northeast Kansas unveils Day Center for human trafficking survivors in Topeka

The Senate Committee on Judiciary convened on January 29, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding domestic violence and human trafficking in Kansas. The meeting featured testimony from Kristin Hammer, Community Engagement Coordinator at the YWCA of Northeast Kansas, who highlighted the organization's role in supporting victims in a five-county region, including Shawnee County.

Hammer introduced her colleagues from the YWCA's Center for Safety and Empowerment (CSE), emphasizing their accreditation as a service provider for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. She expressed gratitude for receiving a rotary grant that will help establish the YWCA Day Center for victims of human trafficking in Topeka.

The primary focus of the meeting was Senate Bill 71, which aims to deter human trafficking by imposing stricter penalties on buyers and reducing demand for such activities. Hammer urged the committee to consider the human aspect of trafficking, stressing the importance of recognizing the lives of those being sold and the support they require.

The discussions underscored the need for legislative action to address these pressing social issues, with Hammer's testimony serving as a poignant reminder of the real people affected by trafficking and the critical services provided by organizations like the YWCA. The committee's deliberations on Senate Bill 71 will continue, with the potential for significant implications for victims and the broader community.