It’s all about the money!!!
Just how bad is it?
Statistics on child sex trafficking show that this has become a big industry across the globe and in America. Worldwide, the International Labor Organization estimates that trafficking is now a $150 billion industry. Roughly $99 million of that is from commercial sex trade according to an ILO report, while the remaining $51 billion is from forced labor. This is modern day slavery.
Within the United States, victims are disproportionately girls and women of color, and have been in contact with the child welfare system.
Many sex trafficking victims in the USA have run away from home or foster homes, or have been “thrown out of their homes, we call them “throwaways.” Some have aged out of foster care and face unstable housing situations.
Some “red flags” to look for in “seeing” trafficking are – poverty, low self-esteem, survival sex, drugs and addiction, and under-nourished. Transgender, gay and lesbian people are very vulnerable to being trafficked.
Cases of human trafficking have been reported in all 50 states in the USA, Washington D.C. and all United States territories. Trafficking is a global industry that stems from colonialism, power structures, racism and sexism. We still blame the victim versus the exploiter; we punish the victim, especially if they are a girl or woman of color. Statistics also show that young men teens are also victims of sex trafficking.
Sex trafficking violates human rights and harms health. It is a serious public health problem that negatively affects the well-being of individuals, families and communities. The victims of trafficking, sex or labor, do not get the money paid. Victims may have their basic needs taken care of, like shelter, clothing, food, but get no “spending” money.
Cases of human trafficking have been reported in all 50 states in the USA, Washington D.C. and all United States territories.
who is buying sex in Minnesota?
These statistics were taken from 155 men who attended a program known as the John School between 2013 - 2014. Sometimes 1st time prostitution offenders are court ordered to attend this program. Most of the men represented were arrested in the Twin Cities area. These statistics are from the organization Breaking Free.
Minnesota Safe Harbor
No Wrong Door Law
Ensures young people who are sexually exploited are treated as victims and survivors, not criminals. Through the No Wrong Door model, these youth can receive trauma-informed support rather than being treated as juvenile delinquents. No Wrong Door is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary and multi-state agency approach.
The law was passed in 2011, includes five key changes – three were effective immediately in 2011 while two additional changes were effective in 2014. Safe Harbor services are made available to individuals 24 and younger. This law 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.
There are nine regions in Minnesota, each has their own Regional Navigator - A person to go to for assistance if being sex trafficked.
Our Regional Navigator is Mel. She can be reached at PAVSA.
PAVSA
Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault
32 E 1st Street Suite 200
Duluth, MN 55802
24-Hour Helpline: (218) 726-1931
Office: (218) 726-1442
Fax: (218) 720-4890
Links to Resources for More Information/Statistics
Minnesota Department of Health
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Homeland Security