January 19 Online Event -- Keeping Children Safe Online

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is dedicated to preventing sex trafficking among youth and to providing support for young people who have experienced sexual exploitation.

A virtual human trafficking prevention awareness event will be offered on Thursday, January 19, from 9–10 a.m. and Noon–1 p.m. Community members are invited to attend and learn how predators conduct online solicitation and groom youth, what is being done to prevent trafficking and support young people, and how the community can help.

Visit the morning or afternoon event pages to sign-up. The effort is part of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, designed to create awareness and support for individuals who have been affected by this issue.

In December, the FBI, along with the Department of Homeland Security and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, issued a national public safety alert due to the significant increase in online child sextortion cases.

 “Youth are online where predators can find them,” said Kate Lepage, regional navigator of Youth & Family Services for Lutheran Social Service in East Central Minnesota. “We can all play a role in helping youth stay safe online, understand what healthy relationships look like, teach boundaries and support good decision-making.”

Lutheran Social Service has several resources specifically for youth and adults that have experienced commercial sexual exploitation or sex trafficking including housing, direct services such as case management and advocacy, crisis response, and prevention efforts. Additionally, Lutheran Social Service can assist other professionals in their response to exploitation and trafficking through education efforts, protocol development and referrals to appropriate community programs.

If you or someone you know has been sexually exploited, needs support or is seeking resources, please contact Lutheran Social Service at 866.824.3700 or email kate.lepage@lssmn.org.