CASE STUDY: SEX TRAFFICKING IN MINNEAPOLIS Kayla Flemmons, Megan Aichele, Erin Wiedoff, Jami Gereau, Greta Regan

2007 Minneapolis, Minnesota Somali Mafia Gangs Jane Doe 1, Jane Doe 2, Jane Doe 3 Impacted Somali community The Somali Outlaws, the Somali Mafia, and the Lady Outlaws are being indicted with sex trafficking crimes

“The recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction,…of the abuse of power or of a person of vulnerability….. for the purpose of exploitation. Exploitation shall include, at a minimum, the exploitation or the prostitution of other or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery…” (UNCJIN, 2001; Shelley, 2011) The women are in fact victims No form of repayment – the new slavery? No control of their individual sexualities Although the traffickers were charged, the women will still suffer greatly for many years to come

2012 Minneapolis, Minnesota Mickey Cupkie Two young girls ages 15 and 17 “Johns” Minnesota State Harbors Law

Should sex workers be considered victims? The two girls in this case are victims; due to the violence they experienced Health issues are involved Unwanted pregnancy STDs and STIs Did not receive complete justice Cupkie can now return to his lifestyle Minnesota is taking step in the right direction – could be taken further

1.Is every individual involved in sex trafficking and sex work considered a victim and if not, where should the line should be drawn? 2.How can we continue to raise awareness of human trafficking in Minneapolis and what specific resources can we use to do so?

esota-A-human-trafficking-battleground (2:16) esota-A-human-trafficking-battleground Breaking Free Polaris Project The Women’s Foundation Institute for Trafficked, Exploited, & Missing Persons The Family Partnership