SEX TRAFFICKING AND EXPLOITATION: MINNESOTA’S STATEWIDE RESPONSE Teenwise Conference May 2, 2014 Amy Kenzie & Lauren Ryan Minnesota Department of Health

Overview Definitions Statistics and language Who, what and where MN’s Response MN Human Trafficking Task Force

What is human trafficking International – U.N. Trafficking Protocol 2000 Federal definitions from Trafficking Victim Protection Act of State definitions A-M-P model Act – how were they recruited? Means – How were they kept in the situation? Purpose – For what purpose/goal?

Federal Definition Purpose (For what purpose or goal?) Involuntary servitude, Debt bondageSlavery, Commercial sex trade Means (How was the person kept in the situation?) *Under 18 Force – physical/sexual force, bodily harm Fraud – lies, false promises Coercion – threats of violence, manipulation Action (How did the person get into the situation?) Recruitment, transportationHarboring, enticing and obtaining

State definitions (§ , ) Purpose (For what purpose or goal?) To aid in the prostitution of the individual Debt bondage, forced labor, slavery or removal of organs Means (How were they kept in the situation?) BY ANY MEANS Action (How did the person get into the situation?) Recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring Enticement, provision, obtaining or receipt

Statistics International Labor Organizations estimates million people are enslaved worldwide Estimated to 17,500 people trafficked into the U.S. each year (2006) No accurate data on domestic trafficking but estimates of 100,000 to 1.2 million at risk of exploitation every year in U.S. (2002). For Minnesota, the latest data suggest 45 girls under 18 are commercially sexually exploited on a typical weekend night via Internet classifieds websites and escort services. We also know African and Native Americans are disproportionately affected.

Know its happening here but very difficult to identify Hidden in plain sight Happening but don’t know what to look for Victims do not self-identify Movement by traffickers and victims Myths/ perceptions of individuals that don’t allow us to look beneath the surface

Importance of Language Prostitution  Sex trafficking/exploitation Prostitute  Victim/Prostituted Pimp  Trafficker John  Predator, exploiter Establishing a common language is essential in framing an issue Language defines the way we see and issue and determines how we respond Shift in language redefines this as exploitation/abuse rather than a criminal justice issue Elevates emergency response

Research Confronting Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Sex Trafficking of Minors in the United States – Institute of Medicine Garden of Truth Report – Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center Lauren Martin Ph.D UROC, Laurel Edinburgh, Midwest Children’s Resource Center, and Beth Holger- Ambrose, The Link.

Risk Factors/vulnerabilities Poverty/Debt Youth, LGBTQ youth Runaway, homeless History of domestic and sexual abuse and history of prostitution the family Historical trauma, colonization Lack of social support system and resources Chemical dependency Immigration status Lack of skills/education

Trafficking Prostitution Exploitation Child Sexual Abuse Child Neglect Child Physical Abuse Intimate Partner Abuse Sexual Violence Homelessness Gender Violence Poverty

Paths to Exploitation Relationship: “boyfriend”, family member Homelessness Survival sex Drug Abuse Solicitation by an adult Lured through false promises

Paths to Exploitation Family trafficker- parent or sibling may trade child for drugs or money. Guerilla Trafficker - may kidnap and hold child against their will. They control through violence and isolation. Romeo Trafficker- this is the “boyfriend”. He uses courtship and gifts to romance the girls. Once he has them hooked he introduces the idea of turning tricks. He uses a mix of affection and violence. Survival Sex- for a place to stay, food, drugs… Gang Controlled- women have no value other than what they can be used for.

Red Flags Signs of physical, mental, sexual abuse Sudden appearance of expensive clothing, shoes and other material items with no income Different men dropping her (him) off and picking up at school. Self-harm (cutting, burning, tattoos, drug/alcohol usage) New personae New social circle Lack of interest in school, gaps in attendance and/or extra curricular activities

Where is this happening in MN? Hotels Strip Clubs Escort/online services The house/apartment next door Adult stores Bars Schools Libraries

Who are the exploiters? Not a lot information out there on Demand side – why? Mostly male, professionals *What are their beliefs and attitudes that makes purchasing someone for sex okay?

Cultural/societal norms Economically speaking Supply ONLY exists because there is a DEMAND Objectification of women and children, use of pornography. What messages do we send young men and women on how to view/treat women? Right of passage to visit a strip club Right or entitled to sex

Intersections with other types of violence Human trafficking and domestic violence are intentional manifestations of power and control (Power and Control Wheels). Tactics Trauma bonding – cycles of love/violence, reward/punishment, acceptance/degradation produce intense loyalty Sexual, physical and emotional abuse Use of rape as a weapon and means of control Treats victim as an object used for monetary gain vs romantic/household relationship. Normalizes sexual violence and selling sex.

How identified? Not common to self-identify, therefore instrumental for those who come in contact to identify. Refer back to red flags/indicators Individuals who might come into contact: Criminal justice personnel (law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys, probation, corrections, etc) Domestic violence, sexual assault, homeless service providers, child protection Attorneys – family law, immigration Bystanders or employees (hotels, schools, etc) at locations where occurring Medical staff Schools staff/employees

How identified? Not as simplistic as a ‘rescue’ or ‘saving’ someone. Many do not identify as victims, so do not think they need help….varying degrees. If trafficker is family member or boyfriend, many emotional dynamics involved similar to domestic violence. Normalization of violence and abuse Grooming Trauma bonding In many circumstances, they need to chose to leave Stages of Change, relapse

What services are needed? Safety assessment/planning Emergency response Basic living needs Housing (emergency, transitional and permanent), food, income assistance, transportation, etc. Trauma Counseling/Support Chemical dependency counseling/treatment *Medical/dental assistance Cultural /linguistic services Legal needs Other needs depending on circumstances

ACE’s Study ACEs study: Adverse childhood experiences can led to Adolescent pregnancy Chemical dependency Depression Smoking Heart disease Liver disease STI Suicide attempts Early initiation of sexual activity Multiple sexual partners

Related Chronic Health problems Mental Health – PTSD, depression, flashbacks Addiction Muscle aches or pains Memory problems Headaches/migraines Stomach issues Dizziness Rapid/irregular heart beat Painful menstruation Trembling Chest Pains STI’s *Garden of Truth Report – Minnesota Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Coalition

Barriers to Involvement Stereotypes, misperceptions or unable to identify Lack of training opportunities for professionals Competing Priorities Lack of disclosure Potential complications related to mandated reporting Lack of policies and procedures if disclosure occurs.

MINNESOTA’S RESPONSE

Safe Harbor Law Passed in 2011 and will go into effect August 1, 2014 Decriminalizes “prostitution” offenses for youth under the age of 18 Added definition of ‘sexually exploited youth’ to the child protection code Created the Safe Harbor Committee-multidisciplinary committee headed by DPS, DHS & MDH

Safe Harbor Committee Purpose was to develop a coordinated multi-disciplinary response to CSE youth Response to be developed must change from a criminal response to a victim centered comprehensive state-wide response Recommendations for state legislature on a new coordinated response to CSE youth “No Wrong Door: A Comprehensive Approach to Safe Harbor for Minnesota’s Sexually Exploited Youth” Report on Recommendations-given to legislature on 1/15/13

: Underlying Values & Philosophy Trauma Informed Care Responsive to the needs of individual youth & culturally appropriate State-wide Response Youth have a Right to Privacy & Self Determination Positive Youth Development Prevention is Critical

Underlying Values and Philosophy of No Wrong Door Training should be provided to identify sexual exploitation Sexually exploited youth are victims of a crime Victims should not feel afraid, isolated or trapped. Model is grounded in trauma informed care. Services should be responsive to the needs of individual youth (gender-responsive, culturally competent, age appropriate, supportive for LGBTQ youth) Services should be offered statewide with services designed to reflect the specific regional needs. Youth have the right to privacy and self determination. Services are based in positive youth development. Prevention is critical

Safe Harbor / No Wrong Door Legislators funded parts of No Wrong Door. In implementation phase, set for roll out August Director, Regional Navigators, Evaluation Housing Training

Safe Harbor / No Wrong Door Minnesota Department of Health Director – hired October 2013 Regional Navigators. Navigators central contact for youth themselves, law enforcement, service providers or concerned citizenship to refer for services. Community training/presentations. Divided the state into 7 regions, each with one navigator. Awarded 4, seeking 4 to cover remaining portions of the state and one specifically for American Indian. Four navigators: Breaking Free (East Metro) Heartland Girl’s Ranch (Central) PAVSA (Northeast) Southwest Crisis Center (Southwest)

Safe Harbor / No Wrong Door Department of Human Services - Housing Four grantees to provide emergency, transitional and permanent housing specifically for sexually exploited youth. Breaking Free (St. Paul), The Link (Minneapolis), Heartland Girls Ranch (Benson), Life House, PAVSA and Safe Haven (Duluth).

Safe Harbor / No Wrong Door Statewide training – Ramsey County Attorney’s Office April 2014 Sunset Conference, April 2014 Training for law enforcement and prosecutors Eight Regional Conferences, beginning October 2014 Statewide Model Protocol for professionals MNCASA, 18 month project

What to do if I suspect trafficking/exploitation? Use caution! 911 always an option Local Service Providers Day One Someone needs help Will connect with regional navigators and MN service providers Polaris Project Need help, anonymous tips, referrals for services in or out state

MN Human Trafficking Task Force (MN-HTTF) -Coordinated by MN Department of Health as of August, Statewide membership (340+) (including Greater Minnesota Communities) - Six subcommittees: - Labor- Data - Communications- Policy - Educational Systems- Prevention - Health Care/Public Health

The Spectrum of Prevention

Community Champions: Ramsey County Attorney John Choi

MN Clean Hotel Initiative A primary prevention strategy which allows people and institutions an opportunity to divest themselves from sexually violent material and by doing so contribute to a national primary prevention effort to stop sexual and domestic violence before it starts. els els

THANK YOU Lauren Ryan Safe Harbor / No Wrong Door Director Amy Kenzie MN Human Trafficking Task Force Coordinator