The Issue

Human Trafficking in Minnesota

What is Human Trafficking?

  • Human trafficking is a crime involving the exploitation of someone for the purposes of compelled labor or a commercial sex act through the use of force, fraud, or coercion. Human trafficking affects every community in the United States across age, gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic backgrounds. Sex trafficking is the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person for the purposes of a commercial sex act, in which the commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such an act has not attained 18 years of age. Labor trafficking is the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purposes of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery. 

12-14 Years Old

Average age that victims enter into sexual exploitation.
  

Each month more than 213 girls are sold for sex an average of 5 times per day.

Human trafficking is estimated to be a $150 billion industry worldwide, making it the second largest and fastest growing criminal enterprise.
Sex buyers in MN are predominantly middle-aged, white, married men from across the state purchasing sexual experiences shaped by power, control and violence.

Safe Harbor and No Wrong Door

  • Safe Harbor is landmark legislation where for the first time, Minnesota youth who engage in prostitution are viewed as victims and survivors, not criminals. They will be treated with dignity and respect, and directed to supportive services, and shelter and housing that meet their needs and recognize their right to make their own choices.Human trafficking is a crime involving the exploitation of someone for the purposes of compelled labor or a commercial sex act through the use of force, fraud, or coercion. Human trafficking affects every community in the United States across age, gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic backgrounds. 
  • No Wrong Door is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary, and multi-state agency approach. It ensures communities across Minnesota have the knowledge, skills and resources to effectively identify sexually exploited and at-risk youth. Youth are provided with victim-centered trauma-informed services and safe housing. 

  • Learn more about the legislative timeline here.
Polaris Hotline Statistics MN
Shared Hope International MN Report Card

How to spot it

The individual(s) in question: Is not free to leave or come and go as he/she wishes Is under 18 and is providing commercial sex acts Works excessively long and/or unusual hours Poor Mental Health or Abnormal Behavior Avoids eye contact Appears malnourished Shows signs of physical abuse Has few or no personal possessions Is not in control of his/her own money Is not allowed or able to speak for themselves  

Access full list here.  

What do I do if I think someone is being trafficked?

  • Don’t intervene directly – these situations can be much more dangerous than they appear.  
  • To request help or report suspected human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Or text HELP to: BeFree (233733).  
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Additional Resources