Nikole Babb
[email protected]
The second human trafficking seminar, hosted by the El Dorado International Soroptimists and El Dorado Rotary Club, brought together the curious public and a panel of professionals. Those professionals who dedicate their efforts to fighting human trafficking and advocating for survivors or providing resources were asked questions that may not be readily available to ask otherwise.
The evening began by El Dorado City Manager David Dillner giving beginning remarks and asking a few questions to get the audience comfortable.
The panel of advocates, prosecutors and resource managers that were available to answer questions over the topic of human trafficking included:
-Darrin Devinney, Butler County District Attorney
-Cortnie Killen, Child Advocacy Center Coordinator/Sunlight Children’s Services
-Jeff Murphy, Deputy Chief/El Dorado Police
-Nicole Ensminger, Marriage & Family Therapist/Thrive Therapy & Consulting
-Stephanie Uhlik, Kansas Department of Children and Families
These people represent just a handful of the people and resources that are dedicated within Butler County to fight human trafficking in all forms. Due to the location of the county, it’s easily accessible from large cities around the United States and has five major highways to enter and exit on including HWY 400, K-254, U.S. 77, (north and south), and Interstate 35, leaving it vulnerable to trafficking.
As they received different questions, Devinney disclosed that some cases can be done and sentenced within six months but generally take up to 18 months til closure due to the complex nature of the cases.
This seminar series began on March 25 with guest speakers Stephanie Uhlik with the Kansas Department of Children and Families and Jennifer White, Founder and Director of ICT S.O.S.
It wouldn’t have come together if one community member, Bebee Thomas, hadn’t stepped up to decide that El Dorado needed to have the conversation to begin with. As a Soroptimist Board President and Rotary member, Thomas received education on the topic of human trafficking, which opened her eyes into how large and diverse the crime can be. That’s when she knew that more people needed to hear the same message by local professionals.
The planning of the events began months ago and consisted of El Dorado Soroptimists, El Dorado Rotary, City of El Dorado, El Dorado Police Department, Kansas Department for Children and Families, ICT SOS, Sunlight Children’s Services, Child Advocacy Center and the Butler County Times-Gazette.
Another event hasn’t been planned as of yet but will be announced in the Times-Gazette if one is planned.
If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking in any form, please reach out to local law enforcement immediately. Speaking up and out is the only way to help lessen the crimes and hold those who perform them accountable. Below are several avenues and resources that can help a survivor navigate the complexity of healing and justice.
The Family Life Center: 316-321-7104, [email protected]
Sunlight Children’s Services: 316-313-4107, [email protected]
Ember Hope:
Kansas Department of Children and Families: 316-321-4200
ICT S.O.S.: 316-444-0192, [email protected]
Butler County Sheriff’s Office: 316-322-4254
El Dorado Police Department: 316-321-9100
Augusta Department of Public Safety:316-775-4500
Andover Police Department: 316-733-5177
Benton Police Department: 316-778-1818
