Child Abuse/Trafficking

What is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.

It Happens in Minnesota

“Minneapolis is one of the top locations in the U.S. for child sex trafficking. A six-month study by local prosecutors found over 34,000 advertisements posted online for sex in the Twin Cities. But sex trafficking is not just a Twin Cities problem. Trafficking affects people from all parts of Minnesota. An online sting in southwest Minnesota led to the arrest of 48 individuals. One 16-year-old who was trafficked in northern Minnesota stated that she was exploited on average by five men every day―which means that she was exploited over 1,800 times in a year.” – The Office of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison*
*Courtesy of The Office of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison Publication Lets Put a Red Light on Sex Trafficking

It Happens to Children

  • 40% of sex trafficking cases involve minors
  • Over 50%of exploited adults were first trafficked as children
  • The average age of trafficked minors is 13
  • Traffickers often target homeless children
  • 1 out of 4 are trafficked for sex
  • 1 out of 3 have considered suicide
  • 1 out of 2 report being physically or sexually abused

If you encounter a child who is being trafficked or who is in danger, call 911 immediately.

Signs of Human Trafficking

  • Are they disconnected from family, friends, and community?
  • Has the child stopped attending school?
  • Has their behavior suddenly changed in a dramatic way?
  • Has the child engaged in commercial sex acts?
  • Are they disoriented or confused?
  • Do they show signs of mental or physical abuse, including bruises in various stages of healing?
  • Are they fearful or submissive?
  • Do they seem deprived of sleep, food, water, or medical care?
  • Are they often with someone who seems to be in control of their decisions?
  • Do they appear coached on what to say or do?
  • Are they in unsuitable living situations?
  • Do they lack personal possessions?
  • Is their living situation unstable?
  • Can they freely come and go as they please from where they live?

The single best thing you can do is to learn how to spot the signs of trafficking.
Download an indicator card here: www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/materials/indicator-card .
For more information or to obtain resources, go to: https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/what-human-trafficking .
Hennepin Assault Resource Team: https://www.hennepinhealthcare.org/support-services/violence-assault-and-abuse-resources/
“Trafficking Truths” by Rebecca Bender Initiative and Elevate Academy

Report Suspected Human Trafficking

If you suspect human trafficking report it immediately to federal law enforcement. Suspicious criminal activity can be reported to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tip Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

1-866-347-2423

Human Trafficking Hotline

If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, we're here to provide the support you need. Text "BEFREE" or "HELP" to 233733

1-888-373-7888