Sex Trafficking Awareness and Prevention: A Survey of Lodging Facilities in Winona, MN

Kryzsko Commons Ballroom

Sex trafficking, which falls under the umbrella of human trafficking, is an illegal activity in which victims are sexually exploited. There is a lack of awareness on this issue stemming from many misconceptions and little support for victims and survivors. One common misconception is that sex trafficking only occurs in urban and metropolitan areas, however, this is inaccurate as it can take place anywhere regardless of size. Sex traffickers use many different settings for this type of exploitation, with hotels and motels being among the most common. Lodging facilities like hotels and motels are common sites as they allow for anonymity and easy access. On account of this information, the town of Winona, MN is striving to increase awareness of and the prevention of sex trafficking in the area, and more specifically, in local lodging facilities. In an effort to achieve this, a survey will be distributed to hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts in Winona and will be analyzed to inform any additional training needed by lodging staff. This survey will ask about the number of rooms offered, types of services available- including pay-per-view pornography, and if staff would want free additional training on sex trafficking. Once analyzed, the Winona Community Primary Prevention Project (WCPPP) will create training resources on this issue and provide this to facilities that expressed interest. The goal of this survey and its results is to inform the WCPPP on creating customized trainings on sex trafficking awareness and interventions for local lodging facilities as to prevent this crime.