Human Trafficking Red Flags Every Central Minnesota Parent Should Know
Human trafficking is a serious crime and a violation of human rights. It involves the exploitation of individuals through force, fraud or coercion for various purposes including labor, sexual exploitation and other forms of servitude. Traffickers can be anyone including family members, intimate partners or trusted community members. They prey on the vulnerable, exploiting their circumstances to manipulate and control them.
Minnesota is ranked third in the United States for Human Trafficking with St. Cloud being a hub and considered a "training ground." The National Human Trafficking Hotline has received over 3,600 reports from Minnesota, identifying 950 cases involving 1,945 victims.
While anyone can fall victim to human trafficking, certain groups are more vulnerable due to social, economic and environmental factors.
Children and young adults are most at risk — making up 27 percent of victims — with 66 percent of child trafficking victims being female.
Distinguishing Between Normal and Concerning Behaviors
Recognizing the difference between normal developmental changes and concerning behaviors is crucial. While some behaviors such as mood swings or occasional defiance can be normal in adolescents, others could signal red flags.
Behavioral Red Flags:
- Restricted contact with others
- Reluctance to speak, avoiding eye contact
- Rehearsed responses
- Fearfulness and anxiety
- Signs of sleep deprivation or chronic fatigue
- Substance use or addiction
- Increase in mental health symptoms and distress
- History of running away from home
- Inconsistent or unusual relationships
- Decline in academic performance or sudden lack of interest in school
- Becoming overly secretive or defensive about who they are spending time with
- Unexplained or unexcused school absences
Physical Red Flags
- Unexplained injuries, skin wounds or bruising
- Signs of physical or sexual abuse
- Malnourishment
- Tattoos/branding
- Multiple sexually transmitted infections
Other Red Flags:
- Receiving cash or unexplained gifts
- Having multiple phones
- New relationships with older or controlling partners
- Use of street terminology
- Excessive time spent online or on social media
A Proactive Approach to Prevention
- Educate your child about the risks and dangers of human trafficking. Share with them the tactics that predators use.
- Make sure your child understands the importance of not sharing personal information online.
- Role-play various scenarios with your child and teach them how to respond and seek help.
- Create a safe environment where your child feels safe and supported. It's important to maintain an open dialogue without feeling fear or judgment.
- Engage in their interests by exploring their hobbies and activities. This will help you stay connected and aware of their social circles.
- Encourage extracurricular activities. Involvement in sports, clubs or community events can provide a sense of belonging and reduce the likelihood of seeking validation from strangers online.
- Know who their friends are. Get to know your child's friends and their friends' families. This will help you understand their social environment and identify any potential risks.
- Recognize the warning signs.
Best Resources for Reporting Suspected or Known Incidents
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