NCJ Number
218680
Date Published
September 2006
Length
38 pages
Annotation
This report presents the results of a study by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety in response to the State Legislature on human trafficking.
Abstract
Highlights of the report include: (1) 43 percent of the respondents (organizations) surveyed indicated that they had served at least one victim of labor or sex trafficking; (2) the majority of labor and sex trafficking victims are adult women; (3) most respondents reported working with labor trafficking victims who had been exploited as domestic servants or in the agriculture and food processing industry; (4) many did not know if the victims they had served had been trafficked domestically or internationally; and (5) about half of the service providers surveyed believed that trafficking is a growing problem in Minnesota. It is concluded from this study that labor and sex trafficking occurs in Minnesota, but the extent of the trafficking is difficult to assess. Also, victims can require extensive and unique services and Minnesota's service providers need knowledge and training on how to best assist those who have experienced trafficking, as well as training is needed for law enforcement, clergy and medical professionals. The trafficking in persons for labor or sexual exploitation is an international problem. The United States is currently working to address this issue through targeted funding and programs. In 2005, the Minnesota Legislature passed Minnesota Statute 299A.785, requiring the Department of Public Safety to complete a study on the extent and type of human trafficking occurring in the State. This report is in response to that legislation which surveyed a total of 188 organizations with 119 surveys completed. Appendixes