Hello all,
We recently announced some exciting news: OUR Rescue headquarters is moving to Minnesota.
The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are recognized for supporting a vibrant nonprofit sector, backed by a very generous philanthropic community. Minnesota also has a strong existing ecosystem of nonprofits who share our mission. By working together, we can drive even greater impact in the fight against sex trafficking and child exploitation.
Like everywhere, sex trafficking is in Minnesota
According to Minnesota’s Attorney General’s office, “Minneapolis is one of the top locations in the U.S. for child sex trafficking. A six-month study by local prosecutors found over 34,000 advertisements posted online for sex in the Twin Cities.” Outstate Minnesota has also had several high-profile sex trafficking busts over the years, including recent arrests of eight people in Stearns County and seven people in Rochester this year.
Additionally, the Twin Cities also have a rising homeless population. Many vulnerable homeless people, who need food and shelter, are easily manipulated by sex traffickers—especially during Minnesota’s tough winters.
Thankfully, Minnesota takes sex trafficking seriously
Minnesota’s Legislature is one of 35 states to enact a Safe Harbor Law. Minors in Minnesota, who are exploited by sex trafficking, don’t get treated as criminals. Minnesota also provides services and shelter for people under 24 who have been sex trafficked. Learn more about Minnesota’s Safe Harbor law.
In Minnesota, penalties for sex trafficking include:
15 years for trafficking an adult
20 years for trafficking a child
25 years for child trafficking involving an aggravating factor
Minnesota also works with the other states in the I-35 corridor (from Minnesota to Texas) to help stop trafficking along the highway.
“Give to the Max Day” is a Minnesota Tradition
Each year since 2009, Minnesota celebrates “Give to the Max Day,” a day where Minnesotans support their favorite nonprofits and schools around the state. Last year alone, Give to the Max Day raised $34.2 million for 6,615 charitable organizations.
This year, OUR Rescue will participate in Give to the Max Day. We’d love your support to help people in Minnesota and around the world who are working tirelessly to stop sex trafficking.