Students in Å·ÃÀÊÓƵ’s social work and nursing programs had the opportunity to hear directly from a licensed social worker who shared her powerful insights and experiences addressing human trafficking in West Central Minnesota.

Anne LaFrinier-Ritchie works for , a Fergus Falls-based nonprofit that is part of Minnesota’s , which works to keep children from being sexually exploited and support victims.

Social work instructor Nicole Ness typically invites LaFrinier-Ritchie to speak to her students every year.

Her visits bring much-needed attention to the often-hidden issue of human trafficking within rural communities, Ness said. 

LaFrinier-Ritchie emphasizes the importance of recognizing that trafficking frequently involves individuals known to the victims, challenging the common misconception that traffickers are always strangers. Ness said students were especially impacted by her discussion on familial trafficking and how generational patterns of abuse can normalize exploitation.

“Anne’s work exemplifies the kind of real-world advocacy and community engagement that we aim to highlight in our program,” Ness said. “Her commitment to protecting victims and educating others about prevention aligns directly with our values as social work educators.”

LaFrinier-Ritchie’s class visit was documented for a story on Minnesota Public Radio. Listen to that here: .

This spring, she was also a guest lecturer for Dr. Morgan Rinke’s population health nursing class. She shared how nurses play a crucial role in the fight against human trafficking. They can help identify sex trafficking victims by universally screening all patients and, through a caring, nonjudgmental approach, they can help create a safe environment that encourages disclosure. 

“Anne’s lessons equip students with the knowledge and confidence to ensure future healthcare providers can be a safe and trusted presence for those in need,” Rinke said. “By building trust and providing trauma-informed, patient-centered care, nurses can be a vital first step in a victim’s path to safety and recovery.”