The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is participating in Human Trafficking Prevention Month this January by promoting education and awareness about human trafficking. The initiative aims to inform the public about the nature of human trafficking and encourage individuals to help prevent and report such crimes.
Human trafficking involves coercion, fraud, or force to exploit people for labor or commercial sex. According to Maggie Dawson, State Programs Manager at Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT), “Human trafficking is a crime hiding in plain sight; it occurs in rural, suburban and urban areas. Thanks to the internet, more victims are being recruited and exploited online. We all play a role in combating this crime. During National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, it is our responsibility to educate ourselves on this issue and learn how to recognize the signs of human trafficking.”
ODOT recognizes that transportation systems are often used by traffickers. Carla Phelps, Administrator of ODOT’s Commerce and Compliance Division, said, “Human trafficking depends on transportation systems to operate, so we partner with transportation agencies like TAT to educate and empower people to recognize the signs and know how to report the crime. Community awareness can change a victim’s life. The more we know about what human trafficking really looks like, the better we’ll be able to recognize a victim and make the call.”
During January 12-16, as part of efforts led by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative, ODOT motor carrier enforcement officers will distribute information about human trafficking at weigh stations and ports of entry across Oregon. Materials will be provided in both English and Spanish.
Additional educational opportunities include webinars hosted by TAT throughout January focused on understanding trafficker tactics and community action steps. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign will also offer two webinars on identifying and reporting potential cases.
ODOT advises anyone who suspects an instance of human trafficking not to confront those involved directly but instead contact authorities immediately via 911 or reach out anonymously through the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or by texting HELP or INFO to 233733 (BEFREE).
The department works alongside several partners including federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; state groups like TAT; Oregon Trucking Association; law enforcement; and others toward ending human trafficking.
Photos from previous awareness initiatives are available online at Human Trafficking Awareness | Flickr.
