Sex Trade Survivor Services

Everyone Deserves Safety and Dignity

Victim/survivors come from every background, age, race, gender identity, religion, ability, sexual orientation, and economic status.
Many who have been sexually exploited do not immediately identify as victims. Involvement in the sex trade often stems from a lack of safe options rather than true “choice.”

Any time someone submits to a sexual act because they feel they can’t say no, this is not consent — it’s violation and assault. No one chooses to be exploited or sexually abused.

What is Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE)?

Anyone can be commercially sexually exploited. Examples include:

  • Survival sex or rape for basic needs

  • Prostitution or escorting

  • Pornography and webcamming

  • Erotic massage or exotic dancing

  • Sugar dating arrangements

Under Minnesota law, sex trafficking involves a third party who profits from, facilitates, or aids in another person’s exploitation.

Who We Serve

CMSAC supports youth and adults of all gender identities who have experienced:

  • Sexual violence

  • Sex trading / commercial sexual exploitation

  • Sex trafficking

Since 2014, CMSAC’s Safe Harbor Program—funded by the Minnesota Department of Health—has provided advocacy, education, and specialized services for survivors.

Our staff are trained in trauma-informed care and use national, evidence-based curriculums, including:

  • #Not a Number

  • My Life, My Choice

  • Ending the Game

Our Services

Women of Worth (W.O.W.) Group

An empowering, trauma-informed group for women who have experienced the sex trade.
This 10-week closed group uses the Ending the Game curriculum.
📞 Call to schedule an intake or learn about upcoming sessions.

Not a Number (Youth Prevention Group)

An interactive, five-session curriculum for youth ages 12–18.
Focus areas include:

  • Recognizing recruitment and grooming tactics

  • Building healthy relationships

  • Identifying safe support systems

  • Preventing trafficking and exploitation

📞 Call to learn more or request this program for your school or organization.

Safety Planning and Survivor Support

We can help with:

  • Personalized safety plans

  • Free safer-sex supplies

  • Applying for Orders for Protection or Safe at Home confidential address

  • Accessing emergency safe housing

  • Discussing reporting options with law enforcement (reporting is always your choice)

Community Outreach & Education

CMSAC provides monthly outreach at:

  • Group homes

  • Treatment centers

  • Correctional facilities

  • Schools

We also offer custom presentations for schools, churches, businesses, and civic groups.
📩 Contact us to host a training or group.

Professional Training & Consultation

CMSAC offers:

  • Trainings on best practices for working with CSE survivors

  • Policy and protocol consultation

  • Case collaboration with the Central MN Human Trafficking Task Forces

Men Accountable for Sexual Exploitation (MASE) Program

A restorative education program (“John School”) for men convicted of soliciting prostitution.

Policy & Legislative Advocacy

CMSAC helped lead Safe Harbor for All, an initiative to:

  • End the criminalization of sexually exploited adults

  • Continue holding traffickers and buyers accountable

  • Expand funding for survivor housing and services

Learn more at: Safe Harbor for All

If You Suspect Someone is Being Exploited

Our referral process is simple:

  • Complete our referral form (fillable PDF)

  • Or call us directly at (320) 251-4357

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

Additional Resources

For Youth (Age 24 and under)

For Adults (Age 18+)

  • Terebinth Refuge (Waite Park) – Safe housing for women | (320) 828-7721

  • PRIDE Program (The Family Partnership, Minneapolis) | (612) 728-2062

  • Breaking Free (St. Paul) – Safe housing and services for women 18+| (651) 645-6557

Learn more about Commercial Sexual Exploitation & Trafficking (CSET), resources, research, etc. 

“Trading Sex” Handouts

“Trading Sex” Brochure

CSET in Central MN Handout

(Love146 Guide for Caregivers) Preventing Exploitation of Youth

TRAFFICKING_TRUTHS_& MYTHS

MDH Parent’s Safe Harbor Handout

Statistics & Resources

Safe Harbor Resource List

Parent Education Packet  (teaching youth media literacy, technology safety, harm of porn, sexting, etc.)

Recommended Books