Human Trafficking
You might not know it, but the illegal trafficking of human beings for labor and commercial sex is a reality of life in Oregon, not just overseas, but here in our own backyard.
As Christians, we believe we have a moral and spiritual calling to end this scourge.
What is Human Trafficking?
Simply put, Human Trafficking is modern day slavery, including forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation. Sex Trafficking is a serious problem in Oregon, concentrated in the Portland area, and extending from the I-5 corridor to outlying cities and rural communities. Our laws have historically been more lax than those in California and Washington, which has encouraged the growth of this predatory industry.
What is Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC)?
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) is a form of violence against children. The commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) comprises sexual abuse and remuneration in money, goods, or services – to the child or a third person or persons for the sexual use of a child. The child is treated as a commercial sexual object. CSEC is violence against children. CSEC can occur through a variety of mediums including street prostitution, pornography, stripping, erotic/nude massage, escort services, phone sex lines, private parties, truck stops, gang-based prostitution, interfamilial pimping, and forms of internet-based exploitation. What differentiates CSEC from other forms of sexual exploitation is an element of organization and/or intent, and/or the context of the commercial sex industry [1].
What Can I Do?
As we listen to horrific stories and reports in media, we can feel overwhelmed and helpless to do something to make a difference. We sometimes lack the professional training and expertise to take action. But there are a lot of things you can do.
- Join our Human Trafficking Task Force
- Organize an OCCV Event at your church or school
- Come to our annual Anti-Human Trafficking Vigil in Salem
- Learn how to talk to your legislator about eradicating sex trafficking from our state
OCCV has taken the lead on this issue, and through our tireless efforts in Salem to create just laws that protect the vulnerable and punish we have seen several new bills passed into law that protect victims and enforce stricter fines against customers. With our encouragement, Governor Kitzhaber signed a proclamation making January 11 Oregon’s Human Trafficking Awareness Day.
We were thrilled to be able to attend the special Bill Signing at the Capitol to witness Governor Kitzhaber sign this bill into law.
Human Trafficking Bill Signing in Salem
This year, OCCV has organized volunteers to send stickers with the national human trafficking hotline number to ALL the licensed alcohol vendors in Oregon.
The hotline is staffed by a live, trained professional that promptly answers the National Human Trafficking Hotline and helps navigate a complicated process to file a report and save lives.
Additional Resources
- Please click here (PDF) for information on groups working on Human Trafficking issues
- For a more exhaustive list of trafficking organizations, resources, and education, visit the CFPDX blog
- Click here (PDF) for a listing of additional resources (articles / videos) on Human Trafficking
- Shoe Revolt - more than a shoe – its a stand!
- UpstART pdx - Upcycled Goods to help women transitioning from Prostitution
- Check out the OCCV Bookstore for more resources
