OutFront Safe Harbor Helpline
Call: 612.767.7655
Email: safeharbor@outfront.org
The OutFront Safe Harbor helpline provides emotional support, safety planning, guidance, and crisis intervention, including connecting clients to other community supports and resources OutFront can provide referrals to resources like shelter, food shelves, mental health services, and even other LGBTQ+ organizations.
These services are for those who are currently experiencing or have experienced sex trafficking or exploitation, including community members or service providers who are working with LGBTQ Youth.
OutFront Safe Harbor Helpline is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Please leave a voicemail if your call isn’t immediately answered, indicate whether OutFront can leave a voicemail in response, and allow 48 hours for response to call or emails.
Hidden Truths - Expert Panel Discussion
On October 9, 2024, we hosted "Hidden Truths: Exposing Human Trafficking and Exploitation of Youth in Our Backyard" at Woodbury Lutheran Church. The event brought together over 150 community members eager to learn about the reality of human trafficking and exploitation happening right here in the Twin Cities.
Our expert panel, including Tonya Lenox (East Metro Regional Navigator for Safe Harbor), Laura Mulliken (Executive Director of Trafficking Justice), and Lindsay Kolquist (Social Worker at Tartan High School), shared valuable insights on how trafficking affects youth in our area. Facilitated by Ashley Moore of C.A.S.T., the discussion shed light on the signs of exploitation, the resources available to victims, and how we as a community can take action to prevent trafficking.
We are deeply grateful to our partners at Trafficking Justice, C.A.S.T., and Woodbury Lutheran Church for making this event possible.
Watch the full event video below and join us in the fight against human trafficking and youth exploitation.
facts on sex trafficking
Minnesota
Exploring the facts of sexual exploitation within our own community, particularly in Minnesota, is a crucial step towards understanding and addressing this pervasive issue. Despite its serene landscapes and tight-knit communities, Minnesota is not immune to the insidious grasp of sexual exploitation. By delving into local statistics, stories, and the realities faced by survivors in our neighborhoods, we gain a more intimate perspective on the gravity of this problem. Shedding light on the prevalence of exploitation, the tactics being used, the vulnerabilities that are targeted, and the mechanisms of support and prevention is imperative. Only by confronting the uncomfortable truths close to home can we effectively advocate for change, foster safer environments, and offer meaningful support to those affected by these egregious acts.
The Office of Minnesota Attorney General
Sex Trafficking in Minnesota: How to Spot It, Prevent It, and Intervene
Human Trafficking and Exploitation Informational Guide
Mapping the Demand: Sex Buyers in the State of Minnesota
Mapping the Market for Sex with Trafficked Minor Girls in Minnesota
Mapping the Market for Sex with Trafficked Minor Girls in Minneapolis
Data from Minnesota Student Survey
Minnesota Dept of Health: Human Trafficking and Exploitation Informational Guide
Polaris Analysis of 2021 Data from the National Human Trafficking Hotline
2023 Minnesota Report Card on Child and Youth Sex Trafficking by Shared Hope International
“On the line” podcast
Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world.
Conversation and knowledge is key to protecting our youth. Corrie’s House is committed to empowering our community with knowledge and tools to prevent sexual exploitation. We facilitated a 90 minute On The Line podcast, hosted by Pastor Bryan Stecker of Trinity Waconia Church with guest speaker, Ashley Moore of C.A.S.T. (Citizens Against Sex Trafficking). This bi-weekly podcast, reaching 1,500-3,000 viewers, provided a highly informative discussion where viewers heard how exploiters target youth and how to help prevent it. We thank Trinity Waconia Church for leading these important conversations, and we highly recommend making time to listen! Click here for the full interview
Empower Others with Knowledge
Explore our carefully curated Fact Sheet – an informative resource ready for printing and sharing.
BOOKS BY SURVIVORS
Books by Survivors is a comprehensive compilation of books by self-identified survivors of human trafficking. Books by Survivors is a free resource and contains 85 books authored and co-authored by 75 Survivors who take the lead in sharing their own journeys of trauma, triumph, courage, and hope through their own lens and with their own words. Through fiction, nonfiction, art, and recipes, our leaders with lived experience take center stage in sharing their gifts, imparting their wisdom, and opening our eyes, minds, and hearts. Authors featured in this resource represent various genders, ages, races, and ethnicities. Each of them is from, or was exploited within, the United States This compilation of works is dedicated to, and made possible by, the men and women who have prevailed through the challenges of writing and publishing these resources, mostly without financial or editorial support from any publishing or marketing team.
Sexting and Sextortion
Unveiling Sextortion: Safeguarding Against Online Exploitation
Sexting involves sending sexually explicit messages, images, or videos through electronic devices, typically between mobile phones. While consensual sexting between adults is legal, it becomes a concern when minors are involved due to legal and safety implications. Sextortion, on the other hand, is a form of exploitation wherein individuals coerce others into providing sexual images or engaging in sexual acts by threatening to expose or distribute previously obtained explicit material. It's crucial to raise awareness and gain knowledge about these issues to protect individuals, especially minors, from potential exploitation, manipulation, and the emotional, psychological, and legal consequences that can arise. Understanding the risks, establishing healthy digital boundaries, and fostering open communication about these topics are essential in preventing exploitation and supporting victims/survivors.
FBI Issues Alert on Explosion in Child Sextortion Schemes
Learn about the Issue. What To Do If It Happens. Tips to Stop It Before It Begins.
Videos to Educate Parents and Youth
New Snap research findings on sextortion of teens
Free Awareness Webinar Series on Sextortion and Exploitation
Help to remove online nude, or sexually explicit photos/videos taken before age 18
Short videos on digital safety lessons for elementary through high school youth
On-line Exploitation: Only Fans and Seeking Arrangements
Guarding Minors Online
Understanding the dynamics of platforms like OnlyFans and Seeking Arrangements is crucial, especially concerning minors. These online spaces often cater to adult-oriented content or relationships that can easily blur boundaries and expose vulnerable individuals to exploitation. Minors may inadvertently access or be targeted by content that's inappropriate or harmful on these platforms, leading to exploitation, coercion, or manipulation. By gaining knowledge about the risks associated with these platforms, parents, caregivers, and educators can engage in open conversations, set boundaries, and provide guidance to minors, empowering them to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. Awareness enables proactive measures to protect minors from potential exploitation and ensures they comprehend the importance of informed consent and healthy online interactions.
Request a Training: Not a Number Curriculum
Corrie’s House is one of 337 U.S. licensed agencies to train the Not a Number curriculum
Not a Number is an interactive child tracking & Exploitation prevention curriculum designed to provide youth with information and skills that inspires them to make safe choices. Youth learn to identify and utilize healthy support systems that may decrease their vulnerabilities. Through open conversations, engaging activities, media, and opportunities for self disclosure, participants will:
Learn what constitutes human trafficking and exploitation
Learn recruitment tactics, and understand vulnerabilities
Challenge harmful stereotypes and societal attitudes
Identify healthy support systems
Develop skills to safely navigate potential or existing exploitative situations
Learn how to access community resources when situations occur that increase their vulnerability
Where to Get Help
If you or someone you know is being sexually exploited or trafficked, contact:
Regional Navigator: 180 Degrees, St. Paul 612-813-5030
Day One Hotline - To find services statewide:
Call: 1-866-223-1111
Text: 612-399-9995
Deaf and Hard of Hearing: https://dayoneservices.org/domestic-violence/deaf-hard-hearing/
Website: https://dayoneservices.org/
Canvas Health’s Abuse Response & Prevention Services (ARPS)
All services are free and confidential. Serves victims of sexual violence in Washington County. Offers 24-hour crisis intervention services, local hospital accompaniment and support, civil legal advocacy, legal and law enforcement advocacy, Safe at Home application assistance, safety planning, and community education.
https://www.canvashealth.org/sexual-assault-education-therapy-crisis-services/
651-777-1117
OutFront Safe Harbor Helpline
Call: 612.767.7655
Email: safeharbor@outfront.org
The OutFront Safe Harbor helpline provides emotional support, safety planning, guidance, and crisis intervention, including connecting clients to other community supports and resources OutFront can provide referrals to resources like shelter, food shelves, mental health services, and even other LGBTQ+ organizations.
These services are for those who are currently experiencing or have experienced sex trafficking or exploitation, including community members or service providers who are working with LGBTQ Youth.
OutFront Safe Harbor Helpline is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Please leave a voicemail if your call isn’t immediately answered, indicate whether OutFront can leave a voicemail in response, and allow 48 hours for response to call or emails.
Faith in Action
Empowering Against Exploitation: Faith-Based Initiatives in Action
Faith-based initiatives actively combat exploitation by offering support and resources rooted in compassion and justice. While faith might not resonate with everyone, these organizations serve as crucial sources of information and aid, providing a safe space and essential services for victims/survivors. Their actions, irrespective of personal beliefs, play a vital role in raising awareness, bridging knowledge gaps, and fostering community responsibility to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
TBN highlighted Human Trafficking Prevention Month by featuring a broadcast on "Advocate: Defending Hope for the Hopeless" and Kevin Malone's new book, "Scouting The Enemy." The program, hosted by Francis Chan, is a Bible Study and educational series addressing modern-day human trafficking in the United States. Produced by the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking and Kids Not For Sale, the series aims to educate and mobilize the Church to combat human trafficking. Kevin Malone and Francis Chan discuss their calling to advocate for the hopeless and combat human trafficking, particularly in the United States.
