PAVSA works to advocate for Northland survivors

January is national human trafficking awareness month we spoke with PAVSA (Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault) about their work as educators and advocates for survivors.

PAVSA is a part of Minnesota Human Trafficking Prevention and Safe Harbor which collaborates with law enforcement, schools, substance use treatment centers, and other human services to meet the needs of survivors.

One of their focuses is online safety. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reported that sexual exploitation over the internet increased by 300% during the Covid-19 pandemic.

PAVSA helps parents start hard conversations with their teens about staying safe online.

“We ask teenagers what they want adults to know about supporting them through a tough time, and across the board, they’re saying we don’t want to feel like we’re going to get in trouble,” said Mel Alvar a Safe Harbor Regional Navigator. “We want a non-judgmental space to talk to you. That’s part of the reason we’re afraid to tell you in the first place.”

PAVSA also provides a 24/7 hotline for people to speak with a PAVSA advocate.

“Just know that we’re here to meet folks where they’re at. We have folks on our helpline 24/7,” said Alvar. “I can’t count how many times people have called to say, ‘I don’t know if this is a thing’ or ‘I’ve never told anybody this before and I just want to get it off my chest’. Our helpline is anonymous. People can call and say, ‘I don’t want to give you my name or I don’t want to call back. I just want to trauma dump.’ That’s literally what we’re here for”

You can learn more about PAVSA here.

If you or someone you know has experienced human trafficking call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888.