What is Human / Sex Trafficking?

As with all forms of violence, human trafficking is rooted in gaining power and control over another person. Trafficking does not require that someone physically forces, physically abuses, or physically restrains you. You’re not in a position to give consent and it doesn’t matter whether or not you’re receiving payment. Being trafficked is never a choice or voluntary action.

If you’re a youth under 18 who has been forced into prostitution or sexually exploited, there is now No Wrong Door for you in Minnesota. You are the victim of criminal activity and by law, will now receive the healing support you deserve.

Day One can help to find services for victims of human trafficking such as:

• Children and teenagers forced into sex trade
• Adults age 18 or over involved in commercial sex through force, fraud, or coercion
• Children and adults forced to perform labor and/or services through force, fraud, or coercion

Until recently, Minnesota law treated sexually exploited youth who engaged in prostitution as juvenile delinquents and prosecuted them as criminals. Thanks to the Safe Harbor Law that has changed; youth under 18 who are caught up in prostitution will be treated as victims, not criminals.

Day One is playing a critical role in supporting the Safe Harbor / No Wrong Door model. Day One, with the assistance from our network partners, has created a coordinated response and referral process for the purposes of connecting youth with service options. The Minnesota Day One Crisis Hotline is now the centralized point of contact for youth and those working with youth survivors.  To read more about Safe Harbor and No Wrong Door visit http://www.health.state.mn.us/injury/topic/safeharbor.

If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking or sex trafficking, you have the right to supportive and empowering services. Please call Day One today at 1.866.223.1111