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EST. 1996

Bringing freedom
& hope from sex trafficking.

We are on a mission to end all forms of sex trafficking and exploitation while helping survivors build safe, stable futures.

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THE PROBLEM

28 million people are trafficked worldwide, with 6.3 million forced into commercial sexual exploitation.

(ILO, United Nations)

PREVALENCE IN MN

30%

of all calls from Minnesota to the National Human Trafficking Hotline came directly from victims or survivors.

(Human Trafficking Hotline)

HOUSING INSTABILITY

64%

of trafficking survivors reported experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity at some point during childhood. 

(Polaris Project)

EARLY VICTIMIZATION

12yrs

Minnesota ranks third in child sexual exploitation, with an average age at which a victim is first sold is 12 years old.

(MN Dept. of Transportation)

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Welcome to
Breaking Free

We are a bold, survivor-centered organization rooted in Saint Paul, Minnesota and serving the greater Twin Cities area. We walk alongside those impacted by sex trafficking–offering support, restoring hope, and working to end exploitation at its roots.

OUR APPROACH

We take a holistic approach to supporting survivors and tackling the root causes of exploitation.

Identify Victims

Our outreach teams work in the hardest-hit areas to identify potential victims, connect them with our programs and safely transition them to long-term housing–a critical first step toward stability and healing.

Core Programs

Nurture Survivors

We meet survivors where they are in their healing journey, providing access to safe housing, advocacy and trauma-informed services to meet critical needs and ensure they have tools for success.

Survivor Care

Educate & Prevent

We train frontline responders and the public to identify trafficking signs and take action, while also engaging traffickers to confront their role in exploitation and challenge behaviors that fuel demand.

Training

Demand Change

Our campaigns advocate for increased awareness about sex trafficking, survivor-centered laws, stronger penalties for traffickers, and cultural shifts that empower survivors to thrive.

Get Involved

Our Work

Since 1996, Breaking Free has partnered with individuals, organizations and communities in the hardest-hit areas of the Twin Cities–and we won't stop until everyone is safe.

Identify at-risk individuals and victims

Educate & train frontline responders and the public

Facilitate trauma-informed care for survivors

Close the housing gap & access to help for survivors

Advocate for survivor-centered policies

For almost 30 years, Breaking Free has been a lifeline for survivors, providing essential care, support services and education with dignity and compassion. With a survivor-centered approach, we work alongside frontline responders and the public to prevent trafficking and create lasting, transformative change.​

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Learn more about who we are, what we stand for, and how we’re making an impact.

Programs in Action: Measurable Change

54

survivors, including 39 children, were supported in 2024 by our long-term housing program.

Zach Wolff

Housing Operations Manager

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We've seen a paradigm shift in how trafficking cases are handled by police–seeing 

survivors in need of support, not punishment.

Dr. Lori Quist

CEO, Breaking Free

Before Breaking Free, I was homeless and felt invisible. Now, I have a job, a safe place to live, and hope for the future.

Survivor

Breaking Free Client

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267

In 2024 alone, we provided direct advocacy and support services to 267 survivors.

Ingrid DeChambeau

Regional Advocacy Manager

OUR PARTNERS 

Follow Us

@breakingfreemn

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