Human trafficking continues to be an on-going concern for Central Oregon law enforcement agencies. Both labor and sex trafficking have been observed in the High Desert and unless we join together to stop it, it is here to stay. Human trafficking is the second largest and fastest growing crime in the world, and one of the most effective ways we can end it is to be informed about what is going on and then speaking out. In the effort to stop modern day slavery in our community, John Hummel, Deschutes County District Attorney, will be discussing local concerns and challenges in Central Oregon on September 21.
The event, sponsored by COOATH (Central Oregon Oregonians Against Trafficking Humans) and led by the author of In Our Backyard and COOATH Regional Director, Nita Belles, will be held at St. Charles Medical Center (Conference Room A & B), Monday, September 21, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Everyone in the community is encouraged to attend. Pre-registration at cooath@gmail.com is appreciated but not required.
Hummel has experience working in the field of justice and politics in not just Central Oregon but far beyond, and has an impressive and expansive history of working for justice, community wellness, and peace. His 20+ years of legal, policy, and conflict resolution professional experience have shaped him into who he is today.
If you are interested in scheduling awareness training for your group or organization, please visit our website at www.cooath.org or contact cooath@gmail.com.
COOATH is dedicated to raising awareness of and opposition to human trafficking in Central Oregon. As the second largest and fastest growing crime on the planet, it’s no surprise it happens here.
“We often hear of human trafficking in big cities but what we don’t hear is that right here in Central Oregon. We have seen evidence of many kinds of human trafficking. We are working hard to help our community recognize the signs of human trafficking and report suspicious activities which could be trafficking,” says Belles.
Statistics show that one out of every three runaway teens will be lured towards sex trafficking within 48 hours of running away. The National Human Trafficking Resource Center reported that Oregon ranked 21st in call volume of all 50 states and Washington D.C. in 2013.
Since it’s inception in September 2009, COOATH has made presentations to more than 5,000 people. Venues have included governmental agencies, churches, social service organizations, law enforcement, and concerned citizens. However, the demand for human trafficking information is still resounding.
COOATH promotes public awareness, provides training and education, coordinates victim resources as well as assists in the aggressive prosecution of human traffickers within the state of Oregon. For more information visit: www.cooath.org.
