Addressing a critical issue in Oregon, a panel in Eugene focused on tackling the pervasive and complex problem of human trafficking, particularly in Lane County.
Quick Takes
- The community gathered at Eugene’s Hult Center to discuss human trafficking awareness and prevention.
- An increase in reported cases points to the need for urgent solutions in Lane County.
- Efforts include designating safe spaces and boosting community training programs.
- Legal challenges arise from the absence of specific human trafficking laws in Oregon.
Urgency of the Crisis in Oregon
A community discussion organized by the Junior League of Eugene commenced at the Hult Center, marking a significant step toward addressing the human trafficking crisis. Over 150 attendees, including Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) advocates, participated, illustrating the urgency and diverse impact of this issue. Statistics from the Human Trafficking Hotline revealed that nearly 500 trafficking victims reached out in 2023, with most cases involving females.
Native Americans, particularly women, face disproportionately higher risks of becoming victims. The panel uncovered the difficulty victims experience in seeking help due to coercion and blackmail. Many do not recognize themselves as victims, hindering efforts to combat these crimes.
Community Efforts and Legal Frameworks
Lane Transit District has committed to a federal campaign, turning buses into safe havens for youth—an initiative championed by Sarah Koski, who stated, “Every one of our buses is a designated safe place for youth.”
Challenges exist in prosecuting trafficking due to Oregon lacking specific human trafficking laws. Chris Parosa, Lane County District Attorney, pointed out the necessity for a definite legal crime to tackle trafficking specifically. The panel discussed the complexities of prosecuting related crimes like sexual abuse, coercion, and kidnapping.
Role of Interstate Routes and Local Initiatives
Interstate 5 acts as a major conduit for trafficking between major West Coast cities, adding another layer of complexity to the issue. Lane County’s under-resourced status hampers its ability to address the heightened cases, particularly involving internet crimes against children.
“Human trafficking is a really complex issue and it requires a lot of different agencies to cooperate with one another and collaborate, so our goal is really just to bring attention to those things and get people really thinking about it,” said Claudia Campbell, an event organizer with Junior League.
Efforts by non-profits like Kids FIRST underscore the importance of awareness, training, and education efforts aimed specifically at vulnerable youth. As community leaders continue to stress the importance of cooperation across agencies, there remains hope that enhanced awareness and improved partnerships can forge stronger defenses against human trafficking in Oregon.
