WISCONSIN — Thursday marked National Human Trafficking Awareness Day; efforts to bring about an end to the practice and save the victims of it take place every day in Wisconsin

"In Wisconsin, all 72 counties have had or have human trafficking going on," said Alyson Schaefer, the founder of Mental Fitness 4 Teens and owner of Education Beyond the Classroom. "That's something we need to address and be aware of, and the way we can do that is to teach — teach people, educate people about the signs of human trafficking."

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services also attempted to shine a spotlight on the issue by hosting Wear Blue Day on Thursday, as it encouraged all Wisconsinites to "play a role to help end trafficking."

"In regards to victims, if we see them and we know them in our circle, no judging," Schaefer said. "Be compassionate. Understand it is not them — they did not go into trafficking by themselves."

Warning signs to watch for

The following signs could indicate someone is being trafficked: 

Resources are available

The National Human Trafficking hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (888) 373-7888, or someone can text INFO to 233733.

Additional resources are Wisconsin are also available: 

Watch the full interview above.