Activists grab attention of Missouri Attorney General’s Office in effort to end human trafficking in KC

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – More efforts are being made to fight human trafficking around Kansas City. Tactics by local activists are now getting the attention of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. To raise awareness and show how this crime is a bigger problem around Kansas City than many realize.

Activists with Relentless Pursuit Outreach and Recovery have labeled Independence Ave. a hot spot for human trafficking across the Kansas City Metro. But now they’re working to free every victim by expanding the resources of their outreach recovery center.

The facility is managed by Michelle Newton of Relentless Pursuit Outreach and Recovery. Newton sees victims of all ages come through their door.

“We’ve had some teenagers but mostly early 20s all the way up to women still in trafficking situations that are approaching 70 years old,” Newton explained. “This thing does not discriminate.”

Because of geography, those who fight human trafficking have seen Kansas City become a popular area for traffickers. 

“It’s a lot easier to traffic a girl out of Kansas City to New York or anywhere in the country it’s going to be cheaper,” Relentless Pursuit Outreach and Recovery Operations Manager Stephanie Wiley said. “Jump on a plane like the international airport or the Interstates that run through.”

Newton is also a survivor of human trafficking herself. Through experience, she uses supportive and gentle tactics to convince women to seek help. She urges everyone to do the same.

“If you would let them know that you care and you want to help without telling them what to do,” Newton recommends. “But you want to help. Ask them what they’d like to do.”

When any victim of human trafficking shows up to Relentless Pursuit Outreach and Recovery they can get fed, showered, and counseling. But Mattie Rhodes Cultural Center has also stepped in to teach them how to find jobs and skills for a better life.

“Some workforce development helping to give them the skills and training they need to access good paying jobs,” John Fierro, President and CEO of Mattie Rhodes Cultural Center, said. If you or someone you know trying to escape human trafficking wants to seek shelter here at the Relentless Pursuit Outreach & Recovery Center, they always have security on duty with locked doors, and only women are allowed inside to ensure your protection.

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