Nonprofit Raises Awareness of Human Trafficking in Mitchell, Across South Dakota

Call to Freedom, a Sioux Falls-based nonprofit, addressed the Mitchell Lions Club this week to raise awareness about human trafficking in South Dakota. The organization has supported over 1,500 survivors statewide, including at least five in the Mitchell area.

By Christal Blue May 15, 2025 11:31 am

Call to Freedom Sioux Falls human trafficking South Dakota Mitchell Lions Club event anti-human trafficking nonprofit Rachel Schartz director South Dakota trafficking survivors community awareness trafficking new South Dakota trafficking law increased penalties for traffickers suspended sentence removal trafficking prosecution challenges trafficking education South Dakota nonprofit against human trafficking human trafficking prevention Mitchell SD victim support services South Dakota — Metro Services

MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) Call to Freedom, a Sioux Falls nonprofit, spoke at the Mitchell Lions Club this week to highlight the reality of human trafficking in South Dakota. The group has helped over 1,500 survivors statewide, including at least five in Mitchell. Director Rachel Schartz stressed that trafficking often involves someone the victim knows and can happen in any community. Law enforcement shared the challenges of prosecuting cases, but said a new state law that goes into effect on July 1st will strengthen penalties by removing suspended sentences for traffickers. For more Government stories from MitchellNow.com, Click Here.

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