Sex Trading and Trafficking in Minnesota: A Focus on Sex Buyers

Sex Trading and Trafficking in Minnesota: A Focus on Sex Buyers

Sex trafficking is part of a broader marketplace for commercial sex and functions along the economic principles of supply and demand. This presentation will share findings from two recent studies conducted in Minnesota on sex trading and trafficking that seek to better understand these market forces and how they impact people. Research shows that these market forces are in many cases built on exploitation, poverty, violence and brutality. The presentation will focus on sex buyers, which are the least well-understood aspect of the marketplace.

About the Facilitator:

Lauren Martin PhD is the Director of Research at the University of Minnesota’s Urban Research Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC), and affiliated faculty at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. She is nationally recognized for her community-based action research on sex trading and sex trafficking that she started with community partners in 2005. She is the author of numerous community and scholarly publications and presentations; as well as helping to found and develop programs and prevention efforts. Lauren’s personal research mission is to co-create empirical knowledge in service of effective social change for justice and equity.