In Minnesota, sex trafficking occurs when a third party (not the buyer or victim) facilitates the exchange of sex for anything of value. Force, fraud, or coercion may or may not be used. Anyone of any age, race, ethnicity, or gender can be a trafficker. Traffickers can be a family member or a close friend, or may even appear to be a boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse.
To control their victims, traffickers may use multiple methods, including but not limited to:
Commercial sexual exploitation occurs when someone exchanges sex for anything of value or a promise of something of value (ie: money, drugs, food, shelter, rent, etc.)
No single sign can definitively identify human trafficking. The most important thing to look for is a pattern of control by a trafficker over one or more people. Click here for tips about telling the difference between true trafficking stories and false ones.
Do not try to rescue the victim. It can be dangerous for you and the victim to try to interfere directly with the trafficker.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
To report a suspected human trafficking situation in Minnesota, call the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) tip line at 1-877-996-6222. You can also call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
If the person you are worried about is an adult and is not in immediate danger, here are some other ways you can help:
It can be difficult to talk trafficking and exploitation. The person being harmed may not even use the words “trafficking” or “exploitation.” You don’t need to have all the answers to be supportive. All you need to do is listen without judgement. Instead of providing advice, here’s what you can say to someone who is experiencing exploitation:
Remember that you should spend more time listening than talking.
You may wonder why someone would stay in a situation that is harmful, but keep in mind that they know what is safe for them at this moment. It can be especially dangerous when someone tries to leave an exploitative situation. They may not be ready to accept help now, but let them know you’ll be there when they need you. Help them find resources and support here.
Take care of yourself when you are supporting someone in your life who is experiencing exploitation or other forms of violence and abuse. You might need to seek help from someone else. You can consider contacting a professional or another trusted individual that does not know them personally, such as a therapist or spiritual leader. Do not discuss their situation with mutual friends or family.
You don’t have to have all of the answers in order to help. It is important for victims / survivors to have someone in their life who supports them without judgement. Listening, respecting their decisions, and showing up for them — while taking care of yourself — is key.
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