January marks National Human Trafficking Prevention Month; C.O. organizations focus on local impacts
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)-- This month is recognized as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and local organizations are spreading awareness about the issue and how to combat it. Multiple events are being hosted throughout the month to inform the community about the signs of trafficking, and what to do if they encounter them.
According to local nonprofit In Our Backyard, Central Oregon is a hub for sex trafficking because of its location.
"In my experience, smaller towns, communities like Bend, were the No. 1 most-moved to location," said Sara Perkins, who works with the group. "This is a perfect area to stay super-low key, but there is still a lot of money in the community. So yeah, is that happening in Bend? Absolutely."
In 2020, the Oregon Department of Justice identified 746 victims of human trafficking across Oregon, including 48 in Deschutes County.
Isabella Warren is speaking Wednesday with three local organizations working to spread awareness and combat the problem. Her report is coming up tonight on NewsChannel 21 at Five.
Below is a press release from Soroptimist International of Bend about the month:
Soroptimist International of Bend is calling for our community’s attention to the very important matter of Human Trafficking. Human trafficking is the illegal recruitment and movement of people for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labor.
Due to its isolating nature, many individuals are unaware that trafficking exists in Deschutes County and neighboring counties. Oregon ranked 10th highest trafficking rate in the nation, and several cases have been documented in Bend in recent years.
Soroptimist International of Bend has joined with Soroptimists around the world to raise awareness about the devastating problem of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and slavery. Soroptimist International of Bend continues to work to abolish human trafficking through education, advocacy, and collaboration.
Please join us as we raise awareness of this important human rights issue in our local community.
● January 11th - International Day of Human Trafficking Awareness - take the Pledge!
● January 22nd - City Council Proclamation - 7pm - City Hall
● January 23rd - Presentations by at: project and Saving Grace - Noon - Deschutes Historical Museum
Human trafficking is a worldwide epidemic and while the total number of trafficked individuals is unknown, estimates range from 28 million to 50 million globally. For every 10 trafficking victims identified globally, five are adult women, two are girls.
These crimes are often underreported and hard to track as human trafficking is the second-largest worldwide criminal enterprise.
Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc. (SIA), launched its trafficking awareness campaign project called UpliftHER, to raise awareness and support survivors in rebuilding their lives to achieve economic empowerment.
