Episode 2: Working Across Groups to Discuss Partial Decriminalization (Nordic Model) of Transactional Sex with Dr. Lauren Martin
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Dr. Lauren Martin discusses the Safe Harbor Act in Minnesota to protect victims of trafficking. This is a law that is present in several states across the U.S.\\xa0 Lauren discusses the law and the possible expansion of that law to include decriminalizing the sellers of transactional sex. This law has been referred to as the Nordic Model. Minnesota refers to it as "Partial Decriminalization". Advocates there do not want to take the chance arresting and re-traumatizing a victim who needs services instead of conviction. To engage in discussions, organizers held several meetings with a variety of groups, with some of the most important voices being those of survivors. In Minnesota's view, survivors were included as critical members of the collaboration with a professional opinion to share. These advocates believe they wouldn't ask a police office to come to table to share his/her story, and we would ask his/her professional opinion - as it should be with survivors. Lauren discusses the importance of action research in developing policy and services for and with those involved in "transactional sex", a term used to recognize the need for those involved to self identify as survivors of sex trafficking, sex workers, or other terms they choose to use.
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