Bend’s at:project to host training, events, urges community to observe Human Trafficking Awareness Month
(Update: Adding video, comments by program manager)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- At:project, Central Oregon’s local responder for the federal Office on Trafficking in Persons and Office of Victims of Crime, is observing Human Trafficking Awareness Month in January.
“Our real goal is to help bring awareness, provide support, and hopefully be able to end human trafficking within our region” Program Manager Bre Barrett said this week.
At:project and partners are using this opportunity to remind the community that exploitation and human trafficking happen in our community, and there is local help!
Through training, social media and community events, at:project invites the Central Oregon community to learn the realities, dispel myths, gain the tools to identify potential victims and know how to respond.
The latest numbers from at:project show of the 122 people assisted between 2020 and 2022, 64% said they experienced exploitation in Central Oregon, the majority in Deschutes County.
Understanding human trafficking and knowing how to find help will not only help keep loved ones safe, but also empower people to be effective advocates for the safety of all children and families in our community, the organization says.
“We do long-term case management, so clients can work with us really as long as they want to work with us, as long as they need support," Barrett said. "That could look like going to therapy, housing, case management -- anything that will really help them be successful on their own in leaving that trafficking situation."
Poverty and the high cost of living can also contribute with people becoming desperate for money. During the month of January, at:project will hold training sessions and use social media to educate the community about how to recognize potential victims and respond.
"We’re holding a couple of different events," Barrett said. "One is going to be a human trafficking training for people who want to learn more about these things. We are also doing a fundraiser event for BINGO at Flights Wine Bar.”
At:project is funded primarily with state and federal money. They respond locally to a national hotline, coordinate a local task force, provides support services, and recommend people take an awareness training.
“I’d say the best thing to do is to do a training on trafficking," Barrett said. "There are a lot of myths out there that are pretty pervasive. So if people can educate themselves, become a mentor to a young person to really provide that support. That’s honestly going to be one of the best things for a youth to not become vulnerable to be a victim of trafficking."
In 2023, the at:project served more than 80 people who were suspected or confirmed victims or survivors of human trafficking. Staff says they've grown and are better able to identify victims and connect them with services.
Here's the rest of the organization's recent announcement:
As the local responder in a national effort, at:project is funded by the Federal Office on Trafficking in Persons and Office of Victims of Crime. The at:project responds locally to calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline and coordinates the Anti-Trafficking Alliance of Central Oregon Human Trafficking Task Force (ATACO) under the Oregon Department of Justice’s Trafficking Response and Intervention Program.
The Human Trafficking Task Force is the group charged with responding to human trafficking in the area, and includes representatives from local, state, and federal law enforcement, the District Attorney’s office, several Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson County agencies.
A program of J Bar J Youth Services, at:project is the sole provider of comprehensive case management for human trafficking survivors in Central Oregon. During the last fiscal year, the at:project served 82 clients who were either suspected or confirmed victims or survivors of human trafficking.
How can the public participate in Human Trafficking Awareness Month?
LOCAL Training.
Understanding & Addressing Sex Trafficking in Our Community
Intended Audience: Community Members interested in learning more about how trafficking happens in our community.
Presented by: The Anti-Trafficking Project (at:project)
Date and Time: Wednesday, January 17 | 5:30 - 6:30pm
Location: East Bend Deschutes Public Library
Learn more and register at https://at-project.org/events/
Local Event.
Bingo at Flights Wine Bar
Embark on an enjoyable evening of Bingo at Flights Wine Bar in Bend. Join us for a night of fun where every game played contributes to a meaningful cause – supporting the at:project.
Sunday, January 14th – 5:00pm
To learn more, visit https://at-project.org/events/
JOIN us.
During this month of raising awareness, we ask the community to show their support:Attend a training, follow at:project on social media, and donate to support the basic needs of a survivor of sex and or labor trafficking. www.at-project.org.
SPREAD the word:
Human trafficking can happen in any community. If you have been trafficked or suspect that someone you know has been trafficked there is local help. For safe and confidential services, contact the at:project (541) 647-0658 or online at at-project.org to speak with an advocate. Resources and support are also available nationwide through the National Human Trafficking Hotline 1(888) 373-7888.
Commercial sexual exploitation is a form of human trafficking, and commercial sexual exploitation (trafficking) of a minor is child abuse. Suspicion of trafficking triggers a mandatory child abuse report for mandatory reporters. The Oregon Child Abuse Hotline is (855) 503-7233. Resources and support are available nationwide through the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1(888) 373-7888.
