Garden of truth: The prostitution and trafficking of native women in Minnesota

Date

2011

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Minnesota Indian Women's Sexual Assault Coalition & Prostitution Research & Education

Abstract

Description

There is increasing public and academic awareness about violence perpetrated against American Indian and Alaska Native women. This paper will address the health concerns of Native women in prostitution, including colonial history, individual history of exploitation and the harms resulting. In discussing the history of prostitution of Native women, we will discuss geopolitics and history of colonization, racism, and oppression of Native women. Native women are particularly vulnerable to sexual exploitation because of homelessness, poverty, medical problems, a lack of basic services and resulting emotional distress and mental disorders. These vulnerabilities are exacerbated by the longstanding efforts by the United States government to extinguish and/or assimilate Native people. Native women are disproportionately impacted by prostitution, and are subject to high rates of violence and assault.

Keywords

Exploitation -- trafficking, Native American, Prostitution, Risk -- Risk factors, Trafficking

Citation

DOI