Sex Trade Survivor Services
Victim/survivors come from every background, age, race, sex, gender identity, religion, ability, sexual orientation, culture, and economic status. Many times, those who have been sexually exploited do not identify or appear to be victims on the surface. Involvement in the life or industry is often a result of a lack of choices. Many victims are groomed into the industry through sexual abuse as a young person. For many, trading sex to meet their basic needs is the only way they can survive. However, making survival decisions is not the same as true “choice.” Any time a person submits to a sex act because they feel they can’t say no or have not other options, this is not consent, this is violation and assault. No one chooses to be sexually abused and exploited.
Anyone can be commercially sexually exploited. Examples of CSE include survival sex/rape, prostitution, pornography, escorting, erotic massage, stripping, exotic dancing, burlesque, webcamming, or sugar daddy arrangements.
Minnesota law states sex trafficking involves a third party who aids in the above (including driving, facilitating, or profiting from the prostitution of another).
Learn more about Commercial Sexual Exploitation & Trafficking (CSET), resources, research, etc.
(Love146 Guide for Caregivers) Preventing Exploitation of Youth
MDH Parent’s Safe Harbor Handout
Parent Education Packet (teaching youth media literacy, technology safety, harm of porn, sexting, etc.)
Who We Serve
CMSAC serves youth and adults of all gender identities who have experienced sexual violence, including sex trading/commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking.
Our Program
CMSAC’s Safe Harbor program has been funded by the Minnesota Department of Health since 2014 to provide services to victim/survivors of sexual exploitation and trafficking.
CMSAC staff has been trained by national experts on service delivery and best practices for working with survivors of CSET. CMSAC has been trained in the facilitation of the following national, evidence-based curriculum for CSET prevention and intervention: #Not A Number, My Life My Choice, and Ending the Game.
SERVICES
Women of Worth (W.O.W.) Group
W.O.W. is an empowering, female-responsive, and trauma-informed education/support group that addresses various topics relevant to women who have been involved in the sex trade. CMSAC uses the Ending the Game curriculum developed by Sowers Education Group. W.O.W. is a closed group (10 weekly sessions) that runs in cycles based on client demand. Give us a call to schedule an intake!
Not A Number Group
Not A Number is a sex and labor exploitation/trafficking prevention education curriculum for youth ages 12-18 of all gender identities. This five-session curriculum can be implemented in middle and high school classrooms, treatment centers, residential programs, and community settings. The curriculum provides an interactive, age-appropriate program that addresses human trafficking, recruitment/grooming tactics, healthy relationships, skill-building to navigate risky situations, and encourages youth to identify healthy support systems and local resources.
Learn more about Not A Number curriculum and program outline HERE.
To inquire about implementing this group at your agency, please fill out this form HERE and give us a call!
To inquire about training for professionals to become certified facilitators of this curriculum, learn more HERE
Safety Planning
We can assist you with:
- making a safety plan specific to the unique dangers in the sex trade
- accessing free safer sex products (male or female condoms, lubricant)
- applying for a Harassment Restraining Order or Order For Protection
- applying for the confidential mailing address/Safe at Home program
- locating emergency safe housing in Minnesota
- *reporting to specially-trained investigators from the Stearns County Trafficking Task Force (Reporting to police is 100% your choice. No one should ever pressure you to report against your will. Advocates can talk through the reporting options, weigh the pros/cons of reporting, answer questions about the criminal/legal process, and work to address potential safety issues)
Community Outreach & Education
CMSAC does consistent monthly outreach with vulnerable youth and adults of all genders at jails, group homes, and treatment facilities in our service area, (e.g. Recovery Plus, Journey Home, Prairie House, SHY House, St. Cloud Children’s Home, and Maple Lake Recovery). We visit various group homes and facilities regularly to present and lead small groups. If your agency would like us to host a psycho-educational group (for adolescents or adults) at your facility, please contact us!
CMSAC offers the following community presentations for your school, civic group, church, business, or other organization. Topics listed HERE.
Trainings & Technical Assistance for Professionals
CMSAC offers professional trainings on best practices for working with clients who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation. Please contact the Trafficking Program Coordinator to learn more or schedule a presentation!
CMSAC is a member of the Stearns, Sherburne, and Wright county human trafficking task forces and case consultation groups.
CMSAC’s Trafficking Program Coordinator can also consult with professionals on working with clients, best practices, screening, policy, and protocol development.
Offender Program: Men Accountable for Sexual Exploitation (MASE)
CMSAC created and runs the MASE (similar to a “John School”) for men who have been convicted of soliciting a person in prostitution. Click HERE to learn more.
Policy & Legislative Change
CMSAC received a grant in 2018 to spearhead the implementation of Minnesota Safe Harbor for All. This law would extend the current law passed in MN in 2011, called Safe Harbor for Sexually Exploited Youth. Safe Harbor for All would end the criminalization of adults who are being prostituted/sexually-exploited while continuing to criminalize the perpetrators of this sexually-violent crime: exploiters (buyers and traffickers). Safe Harbor for All also works to secure state funding for housing and services for adult survivors.
The Safe Harbor for All Implementation Task Force (SH4All-ITF) meets monthly in Minneapolis. If you are interested in joining the task force, please email us at mnsh4all@gmail.com
For more information, visit www.sh4all.org or “like”/follow our work on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/MNSH4All
Print, email, and share this SH4All outreach flyer to spread the word!
I have identified someone who may be a victim of sexual exploitation or trafficking. What should I do now?
Our referral process is simple- you can send us this form (editable form field or PDF) or just give us a call!
We have many victim/survivors call us directly themselves, but also receive referrals from law enforcement, schools, mental health centers, medical professionals, treatment centers, family/friends, etc.
In immediate danger and emergency cases, please dial 911.
Referrals to other agencies who serve sexually-exploited/trafficked youth and adults:
- For youth (age 24 and younger)
- MDH Safe Harbor Map 2021 (safe housing, supportive services, and regional navigators for sex and labor exploitation/trafficking)
- For adults (age 18+)
- Terebinth Refuge of Waite Park
- (Faith-based) safe housing for women age 18+
- Contact: 320-828-7721
- PRIDE Program (The Family Partnership) of Minneapolis
- Services for youth and adults
- Contact: 612-728-2062
- Breaking Free of St. Paul
- Safe housing and services for women 18+
- Contact: 651-645-6557
- Terebinth Refuge of Waite Park
Central MN Sexual Assault Center 