Sample Letter on Safe Harbor to your state senator or state representative in the assembly: Date (for letter) For state SENATORS (for both letters and envelopes): The Honorable __________(name) State Capitol P.O. Box 7882 Madison, WI 53707 For state REPRESENTATIVES in the assembly (for both letters and envelopes): The Honorable __________(name) State Capitol P.O. Box 8952 Madison, WI 53708 For senators: Dear Senator ______, For representatives: Dear Mr. or Ms._______, As a citizen living in your district and person of faith I am concerned about young people who have been sexually exploited through trafficking. I have become aware that human trafficking is a significant problem throughout Wisconsin, including in our local communities. Along with my church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, I support public policies that help victims of sexual exploitation through trafficking. I am very pleased that the governor has included funding to help youth survivors of trafficking. I encourage you to support the full amount Governor Walker has budgeted for human services for trafficked youth. I was also encouraged to hear about recent legislation passed to help victims of trafficking. That legislation changed the meaning of the word “consent” so that people coerced could have charges of prostitution against them dropped from their records. I would like an additional law that clarifies that anyone younger than 18 be presumed as trafficked. This presumption permits the child to avoid criminal charges of prostitution and instead be treated as a person in need of human services. This is often called a Safe Harbor law. I also want to note that in Wisconsin if a 17 year-old youth is charged even with a nonviolent crime that youth is tried as an adult. Under current law a youth 17 years old charged with prostitution would have the offense on his or her permanent record. Thank you for your service and consideration of any bills and the budget item that would help exploited youth to find a safe harbor. I would very much like to hear back from you. Sincerely yours, Signature Your name, address, city, state, zip