Sex trafficking in Minnesota: How to spot it, prevent it and intervene
Sex trafficking in Minnesota: How to spot it, prevent it and intervene MPR News
sdgtalks
Eleven people arrested in St. Paul sex trafficking investigation
Last month, a total of eleven individuals were apprehended in St. Paul as part of a human trafficking scheme. Additionally, four victims/survivors were rescued during the operation.
Widespread issue of human trafficking in Minnesota
This incident is not an isolated occurrence. Human trafficking, including sex trafficking, is prevalent throughout Minnesota and affects individuals of all genders.
According to data from the 2019 Student Survey, at least 5,000 Minnesotans between the ages of 15 to 19 years old have engaged in trading sex for something of value. It is important to note that this number may be even higher as it does not account for teenagers who were absent from school on the day of the survey.
MPR News relies on the support of its members. Your contributions power everything we do. Consider making a gift of any amount today to become a member!
Online advertisements and the scale of the issue
Disturbingly, more than 20,000 ads are posted online in Minnesota every month with the intention of selling victims for sexual exploitation. This information comes from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, a division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
Addressing the issue
MPR News host Angela Davis engages in discussions with individuals from Minnesota who are actively involved in sex trafficking prevention and intervention, as well as survivors of trafficking.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of being trafficked, please contact the appropriate authorities:
- Local law enforcement
- National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
- Text “HELP” to 233733 (BEFREE)
About the podcast
MPR News host Angela Davis (center) with guests (left to right) Rachel Pearson from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Caroline Palmer from Safe Harbor Minnesota, Shannon Rohne with The Link and Christine Stark, an award-winning writer, researcher and survivor.
Danelle Cloutier | MPR News
Guests:
- Rachel Pearson – Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
- Caroline Palmer – Safe Harbor Minnesota
- Shannon Rohne – The Link
- Christine Stark – Writer, Researcher, and Survivor
Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on:
- Apple Podcasts
- mprnews.org
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
