Is prostitution legal in Green Bay?
No, prostitution is illegal throughout Wisconsin, including Green Bay. Both soliciting and engaging in sexual acts for money violate Wisconsin Statutes § 944.30, classified as a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 9 months imprisonment and $10,000 fines. Undercover operations frequently target clients (“johns”) and workers near transportation hubs like the Greyhound station and downtown hotels.
The Green Bay Police Department’s Vice Unit conducts regular sting operations using online decoy ads and street surveillance. Wisconsin’s “John School” program mandates education for first-time offenders, while repeat convictions can lead to felony charges. Since prostitution is intrinsically linked to other crimes, police often uncover drug trafficking, assault, and human trafficking during investigations. District Attorney’s Office data shows 127 prostitution-related charges filed in Brown County last year, with 78% involving additional offenses.
What are the penalties for soliciting sex workers?
Penalties escalate from fines to felony charges based on prior offenses. First-time offenders face $1,000+ fines and mandatory enrollment in the “First Offender Prostitution Program” (FOPP), while third convictions become Class H felonies carrying 3-year prison terms. Vehicles used in solicitation may be impounded, and offenders risk public exposure through police press releases.
What dangers accompany prostitution in Green Bay?
Sex workers face disproportionate violence and health risks. A 2022 Brown County Health Department report showed street-based workers experience assault rates 18x higher than the general population. Limited police protection, client anonymity, and stigma create perilous conditions where 63% report being robbed and 41% experience physical violence annually according to local advocacy groups.
How prevalent is human trafficking in Green Bay’s sex trade?
Trafficking remains a severe concern, with the Wisconsin DOJ identifying 32 trafficking victims in Brown County last year – 84% exploited through commercial sex. Traffickers often recruit vulnerable populations near the Oneida Nation reservation, homeless shelters like New Community Shelter, and bus terminals. Indicators include workers lacking ID, visible bruises, and handlers controlling communication.
What health risks do sex workers encounter?
STI transmission and substance abuse are epidemic. The AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin reports 22% of local sex workers test positive for chlamydia (vs. 5% general population), while 68% struggle with opioid addiction according to local outreach programs. Limited access to healthcare and clean needles exacerbates risks, with only 12% having consistent medical care.
Where can sex workers find help in Green Bay?
Confidential support services prioritize safety and empowerment. Golden House provides emergency shelter for trafficking survivors (920-432-4244), while Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin offers free counseling and job training (920-436-6800). The NEW Community Clinic delivers non-judgmental healthcare including STI testing and needle exchanges, operating on sliding-scale fees.
What exit programs exist for those leaving sex work?
Wrap-around services address root causes. The “Dignity Recovery Alliance” program combines addiction treatment through Libertas, housing assistance via House of Hope, and vocational coaching at the Wise Women Gathering Place. Catholic Charities runs a 24/7 trafficking hotline (920-272-8234) with multilingual responders coordinating safe escapes.
How does online solicitation operate in Green Bay?
Underground platforms dominate the trade since Backpage’s shutdown. Workers use encrypted apps like Telegram and burner phones to arrange encounters advertised on sites like Skip the Games and escort review boards. Police monitor these platforms through the Internet Crimes Against Children task force, with 60% of 2021 arrests originating from online stings targeting hotel meetups.
What risks come with online solicitation?
Digital trails create lasting vulnerabilities. Clients risk blackmail from “robbery crews” who post fake ads, while workers face doxxing and revenge porn. Financial transactions leave evidence through CashApp/PayPal records used in prosecutions. Since Wisconsin’s revenge porn law (§ 942.09) passed, 14 cases have involved sex workers’ explicit content being weaponized.
How can community members combat exploitation?
Recognize red flags and report strategically. Signs of trafficking include minors in hotels like the Radisson or Hyatt Regency, workers appearing malnourished or controlled, and excessive foot traffic at residences. Report anonymously to the National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-373-7888) or Green Bay PD’s tip line (920-448-3208) – never confront suspected traffickers directly.
What organizations fight local sex trafficking?
Specialized nonprofits drive prevention efforts. The Sexual Assault Center (920-436-8899) trains hotel staff to spot trafficking, while the Brown County Human Trafficking Task Force coordinates law enforcement with survivor advocates. Schools implement the “Not a Number” curriculum teaching teens recruitment tactics, funded by the Women’s Fund of Greater Green Bay.
How has policing evolved regarding prostitution?
Enforcement increasingly focuses on demand reduction. Green Bay PD shifted from arresting workers to targeting clients and traffickers after 2018 justice reforms. Their “Dignity Initiative” diverts low-level offenders to social services instead of jail. However, undercover stings remain common near high-risk zones like the Broadway District and Packers game-day events where solicitation spikes.
What controversies surround current approaches?
Decriminalization debates highlight systemic tensions. Advocates argue arrests perpetuate harm by driving the trade underground, citing Madison’s “priority shifting” model that deprioritizes consensual sex work enforcement. Opponents counter that full decriminalization could increase trafficking, pointing to Germany’s regulated brothels where 60% of workers are migrants vulnerable to coercion.