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CCD Human Trafficking Prevention

Step Up and join us in the fight to stop human trafficking!

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Every year since 2010, the president has dedicated the month to raise awareness about human trafficking and educate the public how to identify and prevent this crime. The U.S. Department of State raises awareness of human trafficking domestically and abroad, through U.S. embassies and consulates.

ODOT Commerce and Compliance Division is proud to work with our partners to raise awareness of human trafficking and provide people with resources to educate and work toward stopping this dreadful crime. We work with Department of Homeland Security, Oregon Trucking Association, TAT, and more to raise awareness and celebrate the efforts of governments, international organizations, anti-trafficking entities, law enforcement officials, survivor advocates, communities of faith, businesses, and private citizens all around the world to raise awareness about human trafficking.

Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery that occurs in every state, including Oregon. More than 27 million people annually fall victim to human trafficking worldwide, and according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 132 cases involving 248 victims were identified in Oregon in 2023. Knowing human trafficking is happening and learning to recognize what it looks like are the first steps in bringing it to an end. Our trained staff and partners know the signs and are here to help.

Join us in these awareness-raising activities this month!

  • January 11, 2025 “Wear Blue Day”: Learn more about #WearBlueDay to raise human trafficking awareness. Ask your company or organization to participate in “Wear Blue Day” and share the information with others.
  • January 13-17, 2025 Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative: Our safety inspectors and motor carrier enforcement officers will be participating in the CVSA’s Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative event. Inspectors, investigators and law enforcement partners will be educating and distributing information to truck drivers at every interaction. Visit CVSA online to learn more.
  • Do you use Zoom or Teams? Last year we partnered with DHS to create a virtual call background. DHS’s Blue Campaign has created other virtual backgrounds along with additional graphics for social media. Please use these virtual backgrounds in all your January calls and share these graphics online to help raise awareness.
  • Do you know of more events this month? Send them to our Communications Team and we’ll be sure to share the information!

Human Trafficking Training for Oregon Motor Carriers

We are proud to partner with TAT to train our field staff and help motor carriers and truck drivers across Oregon receive human trafficking prevention training as well.

TAT has industry training programs available for both companies and individual drivers. Trainings are specified for over-the-road drivers, local drivers and movers/delivery drivers. 

This renowned training program is used by government, law enforcement and industry staff nationwide, and it drives the greatest impact by training hundreds of thousands of people on the realities of sex trafficking and how the trucking industry can combat it.

TAT compiles data on the numbers of organizations, companies and individuals who complete human trafficking training in Oregon. Upon completion of the training, you can even elect to have your company listed online to show that you are committed to fighting human trafficking.

Training Resources, Information and Events

Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ)
Oregon DOJ provides resources to stop trafficking in Oregon, including a tool to find human trafficking intervention coordinators in counties throughout the state.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
There is a discreet hand gesture someone can give to a friend, family member, member of law enforcement, colleague or stranger to let them know they need help – whether the person is in a domestic violence situation, a victim of human trafficking or in another dangerous situation. But it only works if you know the hand gesture. Make sure you know it and show it to everyone you know. See the image pictured below.

Watch a Youtube video that demonstrates the hand signal and how it may be used.
Help-Hand-Gesture-CVSA-HTP-Graphic-400-Width-300x250.jpg

National Human Trafficking Hotline

If you see something or are concerned about a change in behavior of someone you know, get help:
  • From the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. This national toll-free hotline answers calls from anywhere in the country, any time of day. The hotline is operated by a nongovernmental organization.
  • By texting HELP or INFO to 233733 (BEFREE). 
If someone is in immediate danger – call 911.