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Franklin County Commission proclaims January 2025 Human Trafficking Awareness Month
Summary
The Franklin County Commission approved Proclamation 25.01 recognizing January 2025 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month and heard from a Willow Domestic Violence Center advocate about local services for survivors.
On Jan. 29, 2025, the Franklin County Commission approved Proclamation 25.01 designating January 2025 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
The proclamation notes that survivors of human trafficking are among the most vulnerable and urges the community to support prevention and survivor services. Zoe Barlow, human trafficking and domestic violence community advocate for the Willow Domestic Violence Center, told the commission the Willow has served survivors in northeast Kansas since 2014 and that its program last year provided services to 21 survivors.
The proclamation, read for the commission at its meeting, lists local organizations engaged in anti‑trafficking efforts, including the Ottawa and Wellsville police departments, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, the Elizabeth Layton Center, AdventHealth, Ottawa University, nearby colleges and local unified school districts, and the Willow Domestic Violence Center. It says Kansas law treats commercial sexual exploitation of children differently by not requiring proof of force, fraud, threat or coercion.
"My name is Zoe Barlow. I am the Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence Community Advocate at the Willow," Barlow said. "In 2024, the Willow provided services to 21 survivors of human trafficking with services ranging from safe shelter to court advocacy and case management. We're honored to continue to serve these clients and will continue to combat human trafficking through our services, community collaborations and prevention work."
After the reading, a commissioner moved to approve the proclamation and another commissioner seconded. A roll call recorded unanimous approval by the five commissioners present.
The commission’s action formally recognizes the month and urges residents, employers and schools to support prevention efforts, report suspected trafficking, and support programs for survivors. The Willow’s remarks described the scope of local services and the number of survivors assisted in 2024; the proclamation and the agency list provide a way for the county to acknowledge and amplify local anti‑trafficking partners.
No further action or funding tied to the proclamation was recorded at the meeting.
Votes at the meeting recorded the proclamation as approved by the following commissioners: Commissioner Sottlemyer — yes; Commissioner Wehmeyer — yes; Vice Chair Meador — yes; Commissioner Dickinson — yes; Chair Harris — yes.
