While readers of the London-based Economist may be familiar with its pro-prostitution stance, this largely European perspective about the economic value of the "free market" of prostitution is not one that Minnesota shares.
So imagine my surprise to see "Tech opens up possibilities for prostitution" in the Star Tribune (Aug. 24). Why our state's leading newspaper, which has publicly supported state efforts to address child sex-trafficking, would reprint this article is as mystifying as it is disappointing.
Advocates, survivors and researchers have worked hard to ensure that Minnesotans understand that prostitution is not a choice that anyone makes, but a form of violence against children and women. And contrary to the Economist's blanket characterization of anyone who does not share its view, I am neither a puritan nor a do-gooder. Rather, I am a leader of a philanthropy (Women's Foundation of Minnesota) and a statewide campaign (MN Girls Are Not For Sale) who has learned from survivors and law enforcement that more than 80 percent of women being prostituted were forced into the industry as children.
This is hardly just "work," as the Economist claims, where eager wage-earners blossom on personal websites. It is a brutal system of exploitation and abuse that starts with children.
Consider a letter that arrived at my office in June. It was written in big loopy letters reminiscent of my daughter's middle-school handwriting. "Hi, I have a tip about a girl who may be being prostituted in Uptown (Minneapolis) … a young-looking girl, probably 16 or younger. ..."
I passed the letter along to a sergeant at the Minneapolis Police Department. His response? "I believe this is a viable and legitimate lead. We have opened an investigation and will try to identify and contact this girl. I'm so thankful that the community feels confident bringing these reports to you. It saves lives."
It wasn't always like this. Thoughtful Minnesotans first needed more information about this crime, so deeply hidden from most of us. When they learned that the selling and buying of our children for sex was a growing, burgeoning business across the state, Minnesotans stood up for children, and acted.
In 2011, our state passed the Safe Harbor law, which built a statewide model to ensure that any child under 18 can find refuge, protection and the opportunity to heal. The law ensures that trafficked children are treated as victims of a crime, not criminals. It mandates that victims have safe housing and trauma-informed care. And it makes sure that police forces and front-line youth workers receive training.
