Sex trafficking and Exploitation: Minnesota’s statewide response

1. Sex trafficking and Exploitation: Minnesota’s statewide response Teenwise Conference May 2, 2014 Amy Kenzie &Lauren Ryan Minnesota Department of Health

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

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

4. Federal Definition

5. State definitions (§ 609.281, 609.321)

6. Statistics • International Labor Organizations estimates 21-27 million people are enslaved worldwide • Estimated 14.500 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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. • http://mnhttf.org/educationtraining/research-2/

10. 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

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

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

13. 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.

14. 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

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

16. 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?

17. 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

18. 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.

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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.

26. Minnesota’s Response

27. 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

28. 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

29. : 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

30. 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

31. Safe Harbor / No Wrong Door • Legislators funded parts of No Wrong Door. In implementation phase, set for roll out August 2014. • Director, Regional Navigators, Evaluation • Housing • Training

32. 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)

34. 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).

35. 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

36. What to do if I suspect trafficking/exploitation? • Use caution! • 911 always an option • Local Service Providers • Day One 1-866-233-1111 • Someone needs help • Will connect with regional navigators and MN service providers • Polaris Project 1-888-373-7888 • Need help, anonymous tips, referrals for services in or out state

37. MN Human Trafficking Task Force (MN-HTTF) -Coordinated by MN Department of Health as of August, 2011 -Statewide membership (340+) (including Greater Minnesota Communities) -Six subcommittees: - Labor - Data - Communications - Policy - Educational Systems - Prevention - Health Care/Public Health www.mnhttf.org

38. The Spectrum of Prevention www.preventioninstitute.org

39. Community Champions: Ramsey County Attorney John Choi

40. 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. http://www.menaspeacemakers.org/programs/mnman/hotels

41. Thank you Lauren Ryan Safe Harbor / No Wrong Door Director Lauren.ryan@state.mn.us Amy Kenzie MN Human Trafficking Task Force Coordinator Amy.kenzie@state.mn.us