Clearly, Kansas’ politicians have something to say about human trafficking.

Gov. Sam Brownback, state Attorney General Derek Schmidt and U.S. Attorney for Kansas, Barry Grissom, participated in a panel discussion during the anti-trafficking conference held at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex Friday. All agreed that trafficking is an issue requiring work and effort from people united in stopping it. 

The conference, “Lessons from the Trenches: Combating Human Trafficking Together,” was hosted by the Wichita State Center for Combating Human Trafficking and several other sponsors. Its purpose was to help professionals from many different disciplines learn how they could be more intentional in fighting and preventing trafficking, the event’s website said. 

Bailey Brackin, community outreach and volunteer coordinator for the CCHT, said the panel members have been “instrumental” in fighting trafficking in Kansas. She said she was hoping the panel discussion would help the event’s attendees see how far the state has come in the fight against trafficking, but also where it has to go.

“Over the last several years, Kansas has seen significant policy changes as it relates to human trafficking,” Brackin said. “Because of this, we’ve been recognized as a frontrunner nationwide. However, there’s always room for improvement.”

While speaking on his specific role in combating trafficking, Brownback recalled working on the original federal legislation in the U.S. Senate in 2000. Although he is a Republican, he emphasized the significance that he worked on that bill, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, with Minnesota Democrat Paul Wellstone.

“This isn’t a partisan issue at all. That’s what makes this a powerful issue — it’s a human issue,” Brownback said. “People come at it from different perspectives. But as long as you’re willing to attack it and to deal with it, and to get your hands dirty helping people out and figuring out where the problems are, we’re going to get a lot done, and we’re going to help a lot of people.”

Schmidt said in 2009, his office identified fewer than 10 victims. In the past year, however, the number was more than 300. He credited that to people who are understanding what they’re seeing and reporting it, demonstrating the progress that has been made.

Grissom concurred.

“It’s not rocket science,” he said. “We just have to have our eyes open.”

In making improvements, Grissom said something his office has focused on is not using the word prostitute to describe someone who has been trafficked.

“They are prostituted,” he said. “It’s not a choice.”

Schmidt said another thing that should be focused on is preventing the demand that drives human trafficking. He said if the fight only focuses on the traffickers or pimps, themselves, it won’t be won.

Brownback stopped short of saying the problem of trafficking would disappear completely.

“But it could be a lot better,” he said. “And for the one that you rescue, the world just got a whole lot better for them than it has ever been. And if it’s one, it’s worth it.”

During the rest of conference, attendees listened to a keynote address from Dr. Ron Matson, dean of WSU’s Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Breakout sessions on topics such as outreach, law enforcement services, faith-based services and others were held for participants to learn more on the different roles each can play in combating human trafficking.

“It takes all of us,” said Dr. Karen Countryman-Roswurm, executive director of the CCHT,” to do this work.”