BEND, Ore. — As January marks National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, organizations across Central Oregon are intensifying their efforts to raise awareness about human trafficking and provide resources to combat it. A series of events throughout the month aim to inform the community on how to recognize the signs of trafficking and what actions to take when encountering it.
According to local nonprofit In Our Backyard, Central Oregon’s location makes it a significant hub for sex trafficking. The organization’s executive director, Cheryl Csiky, noted that the area’s position along major highways contributes to its role in the trafficking network, with traffickers exploiting the region’s accessibility for transportation and concealment.
“We have volunteers, educators, and staff who are on the front lines working to prevent trafficking situations,” Csiky said, emphasizing the community’s role in identifying and intervening when necessary.
In Our Backyard, alongside other local groups, has been focusing on the evolving methods of traffickers. Trainer Masayo Halpin described the shift to digital platforms, noting that traffickers are increasingly operating online, making it harder for the public to recognize trafficking at first glance. “They’re smarter now. They’re online. They’re hidden,” Halpin explained. “Any city with internet has trafficking. Unfortunately, that’s just the bottom line.”
Between 2018 and 2019, the Oregon Department of Justice identified 746 human trafficking victims statewide, including 48 in Deschutes County. Last year, a Bend police operation resulted in the rescue of a young woman who had reached out for help via the National Human Trafficking Hotline—a testament to the effectiveness of community outreach and vigilance.
Csiky highlighted the importance of these resources, saying, “When someone calls the hotline, they are directed to local nonprofits and resources that can help them, no matter where they are.”
J Bar J Youth’s anti-trafficking program has also teamed up with Soroptimist International of Bend for a series of discussions aimed at further educating the public. Soroptimist President Jan Swander shared a troubling reality: “One of the things that I believe much of this community does not know is that there are young women for sale in Central Oregon on a Friday or Saturday night. And I don’t know how you feel about that, but I have to stop that.”
Breanne Barrett, program director of J Bar J’s anti-trafficking initiative, explained that 2024 was their busiest year, reaching 100 victims. She believes that number could increase as trafficking continues to evolve and expand. “We know it’s a much bigger issue here, and the more we get our message out there, the more likely we are to help,” Barrett said.
Both In Our Backyard and J Bar J emphasize that prevention can begin with simple conversations. Masayo Halpin acknowledged the discomfort surrounding the subject but underscored its importance. “It’s a tough subject,” she said. “No one wants to know about it. It’s ugly. But without knowing about it, we can’t protect our children from it.”
With the increasing prevalence of online activity, the issue of child trafficking has become even more urgent. The at:project, another local organization focused on anti-trafficking efforts, noted that since internet use has surged, they are now seeing victims as young as 10 years old.
As National Human Trafficking Prevention Month continues, local organizations remain steadfast in their mission to educate the public and provide support for victims. Through continued outreach, training, and community involvement, Central Oregon hopes to reduce the prevalence of human trafficking and create a safer environment for all.
