Juvenile sex trafficking is a major human rights Issue in Minnesota and WATCH is actively addressing the judicial aspects of the problem with two in-depth judicial policy reports. The first report published in 2016 addresses the prosecution of sex traffickers. The second report which will be published in 2017 addresses the prosecution of sex buyers

1.  In 2016 WATCH completed its first Sex Trafficking Report which summarizes two and a half years of monitoring sex trafficking cases in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties. The report provides in-depth analysis of prosecutorial charging practices in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties, as well as a careful look at how the cases are being resolved, what the sentences are, and how the two counties compare in their handling of trafficking cases. The report includes specific recommendations for amending the sex trafficking statute, instituting a charging protocol for sex trafficking cases and re-thinking sentencing practices. WATCH will now work with legislators, prosecutors, law enforcement, and judges to make these recommendations come to fruition.

2. In 2017, WATCH will launch part two of the sex trafficking initiative, which will entail monitoring prosecutions of sex buyers in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties.  This report will be published in December 2017 prior to super bowl game scheduled to be held in Minneapolis. WATCH strongly believes that addressing the demand side of sex trafficking is critical to ending the sale of Minnesota girls and women.