Abstract

This research project explores how geography impacts the severity of domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) in Minnesota. This project draws from theoretical and empirical human trafficking scholarship. While conducting research, I analyzed data on high-risk locations across Minnesota with county-level data collected from the Safe Harbor Network, which is used as a service provided for youth who have experienced DMST in Minnesota. This project uses a quantitative approach to test my hypotheses that counties will have more DMST in them if they have more geographic high-risk locations. The findings from this project supported a connection between certain geographic locations and vulnerabilities, such as foster care facilities, motels, poverty and child poverty, and an increase in the prevalence of DMST. During the analysis, there were unexpected negative correlations between high- risk locations and a decrease in DMST. This project gives insight into why certain counties in Minnesota may be more susceptible to DMST than others. Additionally, it addresses how thoroughfares, businesses, and socioeconomic status play a role in DMST severity on a county level. To further the scholarship and findings of this project it concludes by highlighting how looking at DMST's relationship to geography has the potential to protect the lives of youths in Minnesota.

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