Collaborating to End to Human Trafficking in Southwest Michigan 

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Michigan Abolitionist Project (MAP) is excited to announce that Southwest Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force (SWMHTTF) has officially joined MAP. SWMHTTF has made great strides creating awareness of human trafficking in Southwest Michigan and now looks to further their reach as a part of MAP.  

SWMHTTF leader Cathy Knauf started the organization in 2012 to educate and bring awareness to the communities of SW Michigan about human trafficking. The SWMHTTF is a collaboration of law enforcement, non-governmental organizations, faith-based organizations and concerned citizens educating others on how to identify trafficking, how to prevent it and how to help survivors. 

Here is a look back at the accomplishments of SWMHTTF over the last 8 years: 

  • The task force was formed in August of 2012
  • SWMHTTF was the first in the nation to partner with TraffickCam on an entire countywidehospitality photo program where pictures of 95% of the hotels and motels in Berrien Co.were uploaded to the FBI server to better help them if trafficking were to occur. 
  • The Safe Action Project was also brought to the Michigan Lodging and Tourism Council by SWMHTTF and was adopted as the official state hospitality training for Michigan..  
  • Partnered with Power Over Predators to bring the nationally recognized program, for free, to any student, staff, or parent.  
  • Raised funds to train over 35% of law enforcement on human trafficking prior to the Michigan State Police taking the lead 
  • Collaborated with Warner Winery to produce the only wine SOS (Support Our Survivors) where 25% of the proceeds go back to help survivors. The bottle includes information about what human trafficking is and the national hotline number.
  • Developed an annual scholarship that goes to students going in to criminal justice, hospitality or healthcare with a heart to help human trafficking survivors 
  • Partnered with students to design and fund billboards on major interstates in SW MI. These students went on to win state and national recognition for their efforts with this anti-trafficking campaign. 

Additionally, countless community events, presentations, survivor stories, and family fun events have been shared. SWMHTTF has made an incredible impact in Southwest Michigan over the last 8 years and now as they become a part of MAP, we seek to combine efforts and continue to make great strides to educate our communities and eradicate human trafficking in Michigan. For more information about MAP educational opportunities and upcoming projects in Southwest Michigan check out our newsletter and social media accounts.