Understanding Prostitution in Ashwaubenon: A Community Perspective

Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, known for Lambeau Field and a vibrant hospitality scene, faces challenges common to many communities, including issues surrounding commercial sex. Understanding the legal framework, associated risks, and available resources is crucial for residents, visitors, and anyone seeking information.

Is Prostitution Legal in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin?

No, prostitution is illegal throughout Wisconsin, including Ashwaubenon. Wisconsin state statutes explicitly prohibit engaging in, patronizing, or promoting prostitution. Activities like soliciting sex for money, agreeing to engage in sex for money, or operating a place of prostitution are criminal offenses punishable by fines and potential jail time. Law enforcement agencies, including the Ashwaubenon Public Safety Department, actively investigate and enforce these laws.

What Are the Penalties for Prostitution or Solicitation in Ashwaubenon?

Penalties vary based on the specific offense and prior convictions but can include significant fines and incarceration. Wisconsin law classifies most prostitution-related offenses as misdemeanors or felonies. A first-time offense of patronizing a prostitute (solicitation) is typically a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 9 months in jail and fines up to $10,000. Engaging in prostitution carries similar penalties. Subsequent offenses or activities involving minors escalate to felony charges with much harsher sentences, including years in prison. Additionally, those convicted may face court-ordered counseling, driver’s license suspension, and mandatory HIV testing.

What Health Risks Are Associated with Prostitution?

Engaging in commercial sex carries significant health risks, primarily the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Unprotected sex, multiple partners, and often limited access to healthcare increase the risk of contracting HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and hepatitis. Beyond STIs, individuals involved in sex work face higher risks of physical violence, sexual assault, substance abuse issues, and severe psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Lack of access to consistent healthcare exacerbates these issues.

Where Can Individuals Involved in Prostitution Find Help in Brown County?

Several organizations in Brown County offer support, resources, and pathways out of prostitution. Help is available for those seeking to leave the sex trade or address associated challenges like addiction, homelessness, or trauma:

• Golden House (Green Bay): Provides comprehensive domestic abuse services, including emergency shelter, advocacy, and support programs, which often overlap with the needs of those exploited in prostitution.
• Freedom House Ministries (Green Bay): Offers shelter and support services for homeless individuals and families, including some programs addressing life skills and recovery.
• Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS): Offers resources for STI/HIV testing and treatment, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment referrals. Local clinics like Bellin Health and Prevea Health also provide confidential testing and care.
• Local Law Enforcement & Victim/Witness Services: The Ashwaubenon Public Safety Department and Brown County Sheriff’s Office have victim advocates who can connect individuals to safety planning, counseling, and legal resources, especially if they are victims of trafficking or violence.

Reaching out to these organizations is a critical first step toward safety and recovery.

How Does Prostitution Impact the Ashwaubenon Community?

The presence of prostitution can negatively affect neighborhood safety, local businesses, and community perception. Areas known for solicitation often experience increases in related crimes like drug dealing, theft, and disturbances. Residents may feel unsafe or experience decreased property values. Businesses can suffer from reduced customer traffic due to perceived safety issues or nuisance activities. The Village of Ashwaubenon, working with law enforcement, typically employs strategies like increased patrols, community policing initiatives, and collaboration with social services to mitigate these impacts and address underlying issues like addiction and homelessness that can fuel the sex trade.

Is Human Trafficking a Concern Related to Prostitution in Ashwaubenon?

Yes, human trafficking is a serious concern often linked to prostitution markets everywhere, including Ashwaubenon. Not all prostitution involves trafficking, but commercial sex is a primary avenue for traffickers who exploit victims through force, fraud, or coercion. Victims may be adults or minors, foreign nationals or U.S. citizens. Signs of trafficking include individuals who appear controlled, fearful, malnourished, lacking personal possessions, unable to speak freely, or showing signs of physical abuse. The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) and local law enforcement actively investigate trafficking. Reporting suspicions to the National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888) or local police is vital.

What Should I Do If I Suspect Prostitution or Trafficking Activity?

Report your concerns to local law enforcement or a dedicated hotline immediately. Do not confront individuals directly. Contact the Ashwaubenon Public Safety Department non-emergency line or 911 if there’s an immediate danger. For suspected human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 (text 233733). Provide specific details: location, descriptions of people and vehicles involved, and the nature of the suspicious activity. Your report can be crucial for investigations and victim rescue. Community vigilance, combined with professional intervention, is key to combating exploitation.

Are There Efforts to Help People Exit Prostitution in the Area?

Yes, there are local and state initiatives focused on helping individuals leave the sex trade. Beyond the immediate services provided by shelters and health organizations, specific programs aim at long-term exit strategies:

• Specialized Counseling: Some therapists and counselors in the Green Bay area specialize in trauma-informed care for survivors of commercial sexual exploitation.
• Job Training & Employment Assistance: Organizations like the American Job Center offer resources for skill-building and job placement, helping individuals gain financial independence.
• Support Groups: While specific groups for exiting prostitution may be limited locally, broader support groups for survivors of trauma, addiction, or domestic violence can provide crucial community and understanding.
• Legal Advocacy: Legal aid organizations may assist with issues like vacating past prostitution-related convictions under certain circumstances (Wisconsin has limited provisions, but advocacy exists).

The focus is on providing holistic support to address the complex reasons individuals become involved and the barriers to leaving.

How Can the Community Support Solutions?

Community support involves awareness, prevention, and backing local resources. Combating prostitution and its associated harms requires a multi-faceted approach beyond law enforcement:

• Educate Yourself & Others: Understand the realities of prostitution, trafficking, addiction, and trauma. Challenge stigma and victim-blaming narratives.
• Support Local Services: Donate to or volunteer with organizations like Golden House, Freedom House, or health clinics providing critical services.
• Advocate for Resources: Support policies and funding at local and state levels that increase access to affordable housing, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and economic opportunities – addressing root causes.
• Promote Safe Reporting: Encourage reporting suspicious activity while understanding that individuals in prostitution may be victims themselves.
• Foster Safe Environments: Support community policing efforts and initiatives that enhance neighborhood safety and reduce opportunities for exploitation.

Real change comes from compassion, understanding the complex web of factors involved, and supporting pathways to safety and stability for vulnerable individuals.