Child prostitution is an issue so hidden from our public consciousness that the mere mention of it results in shock and denial. But, it’s true: Minnesota girls are being bought and sold for sex -- even in Woodbury.
Many of us believe the prostitution (or sex trafficking) of girls for sex is something that happens only in distant nations. Or, if it does happen in our state, it only involves girls smuggled in from those faraway countries. Bottom line? The prostitution of girls is happening here, right now, in Minnesota — and it’s on the rise.
Terry Williams, from the Women's Foundation of Minnesota, will come speak to us about the latest work being done in the travel and hotel industry, law enforcement, social services and victim advocate services to help young girls in Minnesota, in our cities, trapped in this condition. The Women's Foundation is spearheading the MN Girls are Not For Sale campaign, a 5-year effort to galvanize resources to end adolescent prostitution.