Presenter(s): Emily Mirbod
Co Presenter(s): sophie hansen, Desiree Whitney, Madisen Campbell, Tom Tandberg
Faculty Mentor(s): Noah Glusman
Poster 169
Session: Social Activism ARC
Portland, Oregon has one of the highest rates of human sex trafficking, especially of juveniles, in the United States. The high number of homeless youth, as well as youth who have ‘run away’ from home, are high targets as their more often than not increased vulnerability, psychologically and physically, can be manipulated and coerced by traffickers. One in six ‘runaways’ in 2014 were victims of sexual exploitation. Although trafficking of youth populations may not always be openly discussed or treated as the most prevalent issue, it is blatantly apparent that youth are targeted by the trafficking industry at alarmingly high rates. This is due to the populations increased vulnerability and in this case, Portland’s location which often allows for much more efficient transportation of the trafficked youth. Statistical evidence shows that 36% of those subjected to human trafficking in Portland, Oregon are 15 years old. The number becomes even more alarming when looking at homeless and runaway youth populations- 1 in 6 of these youth have been affected by exploitation. All available data on the subject shows that the more attention paid to this issue, the more likely people can recognize victims of sex trafficking and attempt to help them. With these findings, people may push for a greater federal and state information campaign. A campaign like this can extend beyond policy to not only to punish those responsible for these heinous crimes but actually prevent more cases and recognize those already in the system to safely extradite them from their captors.