Youth sexual exploitation

If someone is forcing or intimidating another person to perform sexual acts in exchange for something of value, such as money, shelter, food, drugs or status, that’s exploitation.

You have the right to control your body and your sexuality.

If you or someone you know is being exploited, we are here to help. Minnesota’s Safe Harbor law says you cannot be prosecuted if you are the one being exploited.

If you or someone else are in immediate danger, call 911.

Safe Harbor navigators

The Safe Harbor Regional Navigator in your region can provide information and connect you with services.

West Metro Safe Harbor Navigator

• The Link – Safe Harbor Division
• 612-871-0748

Navigators in other communities

• Find a Safe Harbor Regional Navigator in another region of the state. 

Crisis services

Youth Services Network

• A youth-specific resource that can connect you to basic needs.
• Youth Services Network

Day One crisis hotline

• Advocates can connect you to resources across Minnesota.
• Call 866-223-1111
• Text 612-399-9995
• Day One

Hennepin Waypoint

• Search the online directory to find community resources for basic needs.
• Waypoint

Sex trafficking and exploitation has severe, sometimes devastating effects on a victim’s mental and physical health for the rest of their life, and places them on a continuum of trauma.

Traffickers prey on youth who are already vulnerable

These vulnerabilities may include:

• Member of a community that experiences systemic inequities
• Early childhood trauma
• Involvement in the child welfare system
• Lack of support at school or at home

Traffickers use violence, coercion, fraud, or manipulation to compel a young person to engage in a sex act in exchange for something of value, such as money, drugs, food, shelter, rent, or membership/higher status in a gang or group.

Traffickers often disguise themselves as trusted adults or peers. They may be the youth’s partner, friend, or employer.

Identify the signs of sexual exploitation

• Money and belongings without an obvious source
• Unexplained absences at school, work or home
• Having unexplained hotel cards or pictures taken in hotel rooms
• Tattoos, brands or markings, which may be name of trafficker, cost code, other ways of being marked
• Searching applications or websites linked to sex trafficking
• A relationship with an older person that appears controlling, secretive or unexplained
• Bruising, burns, scars, malnutrition, repeated or ongoing illnesses, broken bones or extreme fatigue
• Trauma symptoms such as hypervigilance or constant agitation

No Wrong Door is a part of the Safe Harbor network — a statewide network of victim-centered, trauma-informed services and safe housing.

Minnesota passed the Safe Harbor Law in 2011 to protect victims and survivors, treat them with dignity, and direct them to supportive services. Safe Harbor makes sure that sexually exploited youth are treated like victims, not criminals.

Safe Harbor Regional Navigators can provide information and connect youth to services in the community.