Nidaros Lutheran Church near Vining will be hosting a community discussion revolving around the risks and signs of sexual exploitation. The event will highlight the importance of being aware of the dangers and methods used to exploit individuals, even in rural Minnesota. 

The public is encouraged to attend this conversation on Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m., at Nidaros Lutheran Church — located south of Highway 210, between Vining and Clitherall. There is no charge to attend.

All ages, young and old, teens, men and women are encouraged to participate by bringing questions and concerns.

Learning the terms and methods used is important so community members, parents, grandparents and friends can be aware, supportive and observant of what may be happening in a community. It is important to know what the laws are and what services there are in the community for those at risk and those who have been lured.

Jeanine Thompson, of Someplace Safe, will lead the conversation and share information. She has provided services for more than 24 years to those at risk, have been sexually exploited as well as those who have experienced trafficking. She works in Otter Tail County along with the other eight counties serviced by Someplace Safe.

Someplace Safe is a non-profit organization that provides care and services for victims offering a myriad of services to victims and survivors of crime, families, and communities in a nine-county region in West Central Minnesota. Nearly 4,000 local victims of crime are provided services each year through 10 advocacy offices, five Parenting Time Centers and three Thrift Stores.

Included in this community conversation will be identifying the laws, solicitation, child pornography, sextortion, sexting, revenge porn, sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, trends, risk reduction, services available, community awareness, updates with Safe Harbor services, where to get help and what persons in the community can do to keep young people safe.

Nidaros Lutheran Church’s WELCA (Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church) is hosting this event as one of their monthly programs. Refreshments will be served following the program.