Understanding Prostitution in Wausau: Laws, Risks, and Resources

This guide provides factual information about prostitution within the context of Wausau, Wisconsin. It focuses on legal statutes, potential risks to individuals and the community, available support services, and responsible reporting mechanisms. Our goal is to offer clear, non-judgmental information grounded in Wisconsin state law and local resources.

Is Prostitution Legal in Wausau, Wisconsin?

Short Answer: No, prostitution is illegal throughout Wisconsin, including Wausau. Engaging in, soliciting, or facilitating prostitution is a criminal offense under state law.

Wisconsin Statute Chapter 944 specifically addresses crimes against sexual morality. Key statutes include:

• Wis. Stat. § 944.30 – Prostitution: Defines prostitution as engaging in or offering to engage in sexual activity for anything of value. Penalties range from fines to jail time, increasing for repeat offenses.
• Wis. Stat. § 944.32 – Soliciting Prostitutes: Makes it illegal to offer or agree to pay for sexual activity.
• Wis. Stat. § 944.34 – Keeping a Place of Prostitution: Prohibits managing or owning a property knowing it’s used for prostitution.
• Wis. Stat. § 940.302 – Human Trafficking: Addresses severe cases involving force, fraud, or coercion for commercial sex acts, carrying felony penalties.

The Wausau Police Department actively enforces these state laws. Penalties can include substantial fines, mandatory court appearances, potential jail sentences (especially for repeat offenses or aggravating factors), and a permanent criminal record impacting employment, housing, and reputation. There are no designated “legal” zones or tolerance policies for prostitution within Wausau city limits.

What are the Risks Associated with Prostitution?

Short Answer: Prostitution carries significant risks including violence, exploitation, severe health consequences, legal penalties, and long-term psychological harm.

Engaging in prostitution exposes individuals to a multitude of dangers:

What Health Risks are Involved?

Individuals involved in prostitution face heightened health vulnerabilities:

• STI Exposure: High risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HIV, hepatitis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis due to inconsistent condom use, multiple partners, and limited access to healthcare.
• Physical Violence & Assault: Alarmingly high rates of physical and sexual assault, robbery, and other violent crimes perpetrated by clients, pimps, or others.
• Substance Use Issues: Often intertwined with drug addiction, either as a coping mechanism or a means of control, leading to further health deterioration and risk.
• Mental Health Impacts: Prevalent issues include PTSD, severe depression, anxiety disorders, and complex trauma resulting from violence, exploitation, and stigma.

Accessing confidential healthcare and counseling is crucial. Organizations like Marathon County Health Department offer STI testing and resources. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) and The Women’s Community (Wausau) provide critical mental health support.

How Does Prostitution Contribute to Community Concerns?

Beyond individual harm, prostitution impacts the broader Wausau community:

• Public Safety Issues: Can be associated with increased visible street activity, drug-related crimes, property crimes, and disturbances in residential or commercial areas.
• Exploitation & Trafficking: Street-level prostitution is often linked to networks involving pimping, human trafficking (especially of minors and vulnerable adults), and organized crime. Wisconsin’s DOJ actively investigates trafficking.
• Economic Costs: Strains law enforcement, judicial, and social service resources. Can negatively impact property values and local business environments in affected areas.

Where Can People Involved in Prostitution Find Help in Wausau?

Short Answer: Several local and state organizations offer confidential support, including crisis intervention, counseling, healthcare, housing assistance, and pathways to exit the sex trade.

Finding support is critical for individuals seeking to leave prostitution or mitigate its harms:

What Immediate Crisis Support Exists?

• The Women’s Community (Wausau): Provides 24/7 crisis support for survivors of sexual assault, trafficking, and exploitation, including emergency shelter, advocacy, and counseling. (Phone: 715-842-7323).
• National Human Trafficking Hotline: Confidential 24/7 support, reporting, and resource connection. (Call 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP to 233733).
• Domestic Violence Hotline (The Women’s Community): Offers immediate safety planning and shelter for those experiencing intimate partner violence, often linked to prostitution situations.

What Long-Term Support Services are Available?

• Counseling & Therapy: Addressing trauma, addiction, and mental health through providers like North Central Health Care and private therapists specializing in trauma.
• Substance Abuse Treatment: Programs offered by North Central Health Care and organizations like AODA.
• Housing Assistance: Transitional housing programs and support navigating shelters via The Neighbor’s Place and Salvation Army – Wausau.
• Job Training & Education: Resources through the North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board and Northcentral Technical College (NTC) to build new skills and employment opportunities.
• Legal Advocacy: Assistance navigating the legal system, understanding rights, and accessing victim compensation programs, available through The Women’s Community and legal aid organizations.

How Can I Report Suspected Prostitution or Exploitation in Wausau?

Short Answer: Report concerns to the Wausau Police Department (non-emergency or 911 for immediate danger) or anonymously to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

Reporting is vital for addressing exploitation and enhancing community safety:

What Should I Report and How?

• Wausau Police Department:
  • Non-Emergency Line: 715-261-7800 (For suspicious activity, solicitation, suspected trafficking not in progress).
  • 911: For crimes in progress, imminent danger, or if someone is being trafficked and needs immediate rescue.
• National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP to 233733 (Befri). Anonymous reporting and resource connection. They can coordinate with local law enforcement.
• Wisconsin DOJ Tip Line: For reporting human trafficking specifically to state authorities.

Provide as much detail as safely possible: location, descriptions of people/vehicles, specific behaviors observed, and any known names or identifiers. You can report anonymously. Do not confront individuals directly, as this could escalate danger.

What are Signs of Human Trafficking?

Recognizing potential trafficking is crucial:

• Someone appearing controlled, fearful, or unable to speak freely.
• Signs of physical abuse, malnourishment, or untreated medical conditions.
• Lack of control over personal identification, money, or movement.
• Minors appearing in inappropriate locations or situations.
• Living at or frequenting a workplace (e.g., massage parlor with unusual activity).

What are the Legal Alternatives to Prostitution in Wisconsin?

Short Answer: While prostitution is illegal, Wisconsin law permits consensual sexual activity between adults in private. Legal adult entertainment exists but is strictly regulated and separate from prostitution.

Understanding the boundaries of legality is important:

What Activities are Legal?

• Consensual Adult Relationships: Private sexual activity between consenting adults without exchange of money or items of value is legal.
• Regulated Adult Entertainment: Businesses like strip clubs operate legally under specific local ordinances and state regulations (e.g., alcohol licensing, zoning). However, any direct sexual contact for payment between entertainers and patrons *within* these venues constitutes illegal prostitution under Wisconsin law.
• Escort Services: Legal escort services provide companionship (e.g., for events) without the offer or provision of sexual activity for payment. The line is crossed if sexual acts are exchanged for money, making it illegal prostitution regardless of the “escort” label.

How Does Wisconsin Law Define Consent and Solicitation?

Wisconsin law emphasizes clear consent and prohibits any transaction involving sex for payment:

• Consent: Must be clear, voluntary, and ongoing. Consent cannot be obtained through force, threats, coercion, or if someone is incapacitated (e.g., by drugs/alcohol).
• Solicitation: Simply offering or agreeing to exchange sex for money or anything of value, even if no act occurs, is illegal under Wis. Stat. § 944.30 and § 944.32. This includes online solicitation.
• No “Licensing”: There is no legal framework in Wisconsin that licenses or permits prostitution. Claims otherwise are false.

Conclusion: Prostitution remains illegal in Wausau and throughout Wisconsin, carrying significant legal penalties and serious personal risks. Understanding these laws and the associated dangers is crucial. If you or someone you know is involved and seeking help, confidential support services are available locally through The Women’s Community and statewide via the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Reporting suspected exploitation or trafficking to the Wausau Police or the Hotline is essential for community safety and protecting vulnerable individuals. Focus on legal activities and utilize available resources for support and safety.