Freeing Human Trafficking Victims: Hotels Partner With Washington County

WASHINGTON COUNTY, MN — As law enforcement agencies and prosecutors across the Twin Cities work to fight prostitution rings, the Washington County Attorney’s Office is partnering with the county's public health wing to expand training and awareness for its hotel and motel partners. The “Speak up” campaign was developed "to bring greater attention and support to identifying the victims of human trafficking," the attorney's office said in a statement. "Only when a victim is identified can they be helped."

The new training focuses on helping victims who are trapped in the black market and are "unable to make certain decisions due to a variety of reasons and immense demand for these victims that exists." The attorney's office said it wants hotel and motel industry workers to know what they can and should do when encountering a potential victim or trafficking customer.

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Additionally, members from Washington County Human Trafficking Task Force plan to share statistics and case updates related to victim recovery, arrest and prosecution of traffickers and those that solicit for sex from the last two years of work in this area, according to a news release.

Related:

International Human Trafficking Ring Involved Cottage Grove

Man Sentenced For Sex Trafficking Washington County Girl, 14

The Market For Human Trafficking

In August, the University of Minnesota released research on sex buyers in the state. Researchers said the study should provide insight toward developing a nationwide model to combat human trafficking.

Read more: Five Things To Know About Sex Buyers In Minnesota

Photo credit: AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File