"Lost Innocence: The Intersection of Teen Homelessness and Sex Trafficking"

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"Lost Innocence: The Intersection of Teen Homelessness and Sex Trafficking"


When homelessness and human trafficking collide, it creates a whole mess of problems for people and communities. Homeless youth and young adults are at a higher risk of being trafficked, and survivors of trafficking often end up homeless. Marginalized groups are hit the hardest, dealing with money problems and homelessness, which just keeps the cycle of exploitation going (ALL IN: The Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, 2022, p. 68). In Portland, sex trafficking is a major issue, with the city having the highest rate of juvenile sex trafficking in the whole country.

So, why is sex trafficking on the rise in Portland? Well, for one, its location along the I-5 corridor makes it a convenient stop for traffickers moving between major cities. The presence of an international airport also contributes to the high rates of trafficking in the city. 

On top of that, the large population of homeless youth in Portland makes them more vulnerable to being trafficked for sex. Homeless teens are often easier targets for traffickers due to their physical and psychological vulnerabilities. In fact, 1 in 6 runaways in 2014 were victims of sexual exploitation, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Culture also plays a role in the issue, with Portland having the highest number of strip clubs per capita in the US. While not all strip clubs are involved in trafficking, some are used as fronts for illegal activities. The acceptance of a culture that fosters exploitation can lead to a lack of awareness about the severity of the problem.

Teen homelessness and trafficking in Portland is a crisis that often goes unnoticed, but it's a problem that demands our attention and action. Imagine being a teenager, forced to navigate the streets alone, vulnerable to the dangers that lurk around every corner. For many, this is a harsh reality. Portland, like many cities, has seen a rise in the number of homeless teens, and with homelessness comes a terrifying increase in the risk of human trafficking.

Why should you care? These teens are not just statistics; they are individuals with dreams and potential. They are the future of our community. When we ignore their plight, we are turning a blind eye to the very foundation of our society. Homeless teens are at a higher risk of falling prey to traffickers who exploit their desperation. This isn't just a humanitarian issue—it's a societal one. Every child saved from the streets is a step towards a safer, more prosperous future for all of us.

Moreover, addressing teen homelessness and trafficking can have a ripple effect on the entire community. By providing support and resources to these young individuals, we can reduce crime rates, improve public health, and even save on public spending. The cost of homelessness extends far beyond what we see on the surface—emergency services, healthcare, and law enforcement all bear the financial burden. By investing in preventive measures and support systems, we can create a more efficient and compassionate society.

You should care because the future of Portland, and indeed our society, depends on it. These teens could be our future leaders, innovators, and change-makers. Ignoring their plight means squandering potential that could drive our community forward.

For more information on how you can help and make a difference, click here. Together, we can create a safer, brighter future for everyone. If you are interested in more about Portland's sex trafficking, please watch this video.

ALL IN: The Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness. 2022. Page 68.

Brighten the Corner. "Homelessness and Human Trafficking: Overlapping Forms of Exploitation." Published March 1, 2023. Accessed 05/23/24.  https://brightenthecorner.org/2023/03/01/homelessness-and-human-trafficking-overlapping-forms-of-exploitation/.

KPTV FOX 12 Oregon. (2024, May 22). Advocates help survivors of sex trafficking pave a new life [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZR7nSRr01Y

Safety Compass Oregon. (n.d.). Safety Compass Oregon. https://safetycompass.org/

Youth Ending Slavery. "Portland." Accessed 05/24/24 https://www.youthendingslavery.org/portland.html.




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