MADISON, Wis. — Human trafficking is a complex issue that affects thousands of peoples lives every year.
While many people consider human trafficking to be an international issue, that is not the case.
Mallory Orr first learned about trafficking at the young age of 19. Since then, she has never been able to stop advocating for change.
“People don’t know that this is happening on our doorstep,” said Orr.
Over a year ago, Orr opened Mercies Coffee on Madison's east side with the hope of educating the public about what is happening in Dane County.
“Really it starts with me, I am passionate about coffee, I am passionate about fighting for these people that need help,” said Orr.
Orr named her coffee shop after verses from the bible that focus on God's mercy.
“Showing mercy to people that could be treated harshly or without care or compassion. Not only in the world of fighting trafficking but just people in general.”
Mercies Coffee often holds informational events centered around human trafficking. Orr even dedicated a wall in the coffee shop to local human trafficking resources, but she said this is only the beginning.
“We're still in the early stages of developing what this looks like because I am still trying to figure out how to run a business and advocate for human trafficking awareness,” said Orr.
Orr lives in Dane County and she often sees sex trafficking taking place in hotels all around her home.
“I live just a few minutes away from Mercies, and there are hotels all around me, and trafficking happens all the time in those hotels,” said Orr.
In the future, Orr hopes to donate some of her profits to help victims of human trafficking but for now she is hoping to highlight these local non-profit organizations: