Knowing that 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.
We are proud to work with our partners to raise awareness of human trafficking and provide people with resources to educate and work towards stopping this dreadful crime. We work with Department of Homeland Security, Oregon Trucking Association, Truckers Against Trafficking 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.
In 2020, ODOT Director Kris Strickler signed the
Transportation Leaders Against Human Trafficking pledge. This pledge calls on transportation industry leaders to work together to end human trafficking by raising public awareness, sharing data, and educating employees to recognize the signs.
Each of us can get involved in many ways, but the most important thing we can do is educate ourselves about the problem. This page provides you with information, events and resources to help us fight and end human trafficking.
Events and Resources
January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and we are among numerous government agencies, non-profit groups and other organizations working to enlighten everyone to watch for signs of human trafficking and report activities that could save others. The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that more than 27 million people are trafficked against their will and forced into labor and prostitution around the world.
We invite you to join us and other organizations and individuals across the country to amplify the importance of this issue. It takes all of us to make a difference, and your participation will highlight your commitment to combat this crime.
- Do you use Zoom or Teams? We have partnered with DHS to create a virtual call background. Please use this background in all your January calls to help raise awareness.
- CVSA’s Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative, January 8-12, 2024: Our safety inspectors and motor carrier enforcement officers will be participating in the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative event January 8 – 12, 2024. Inspectors, investigators and law enforcement partners will be educating and distributing information to truck drivers with every interaction. Visit CVSA online to learn all about their Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative.
- January 10, 2024: U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is hosting a webinar entitled From Awareness to Action: Recognizing and Reporting Human Trafficking. The webinar was from 11 a.m. to 12 noon PST on Wednesday, January 10. Registration was required..
- January 11, 2024: “Wear Blue Day” to raise human trafficking awareness. Learn More about #WearBlueDay. Ask your company or organization to participate in “Wear Blue Day” and share the information with others.
- Find all information about DHS’s Blue Campaign online here.
- Do you know of more events this month? Send them to our Communications Team and we’ll be sure to share the information!
We are proud to partner with Truckers Against Trafficking (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.
This national toll-free hotline answers calls from anywhere in the country, any time of day. The hotline is operated by a nongovernmental organization.
You can also text HELP or INFO to 233733 (BEFREE). If someone is in immediate danger – call 911.
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)
U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crimes
U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)
Know the Hand Signal
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.