Neillsville Homme House to Reopen as Refuge and Treatment Center for Girls Victimized by Sex Trafficking and Abuse
Friday, December 9th, 2016 -- 10:20 AM
-The Homme House in Neillsville is being reopened for young girls victims of sex trafficking and abuse.The Homme House, which initially served young, male juvenile sex offenders closed around seven years ago. Now, due to federal funding available, the house will reopen as Transitions, a program of Lutheran Social Services. The first unit of the home is expected to open on February 1st of 2017 and the 2nd unit is expected to open about a month later. The first unit will have 10 rooms with some respite beds available as well and they typically serve girls in the age range of 13-17 years old. The length of stay can vary, but average is 6-9 months. Transitions will have safety procedures in place and are already working with local law enforcement. They’re also looking into offering services after the girls’ stay in the home.
Sex trafficking happens everywhere, not just in the big cities. It’s happening in rural areas like ours as well. A law on sex trafficking wasn’t put into place until 2004 and only recently strengthened in 2014. Youth are very traumatized by this abuse and that trauma can manifest in many ways including self-harm. Victims can be tough girls to serve. Transitions hopes to help these girls through the trauma they experienced and help them live as normal lives as possible.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.