District Attorney

What is human trafficking?

The Polaris Project, a survivor-centered, justice- and equity-driven movement to end human trafficking, defines human trafficking as “the business of stealing freedom for profit. In some cases, traffickers trick, defraud or physically force victims into selling sex. In others, victims are lied to, assaulted, threatened or manipulated into working under inhumane, illegal or otherwise unacceptable conditions. It is a multi-billion dollar criminal industry that denies freedom to 24.9 million people around the world.”

Polaris has operated the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline, connecting victims and survivors to support and services, and helping communities hold traffickers accountable. Through that work, Polaris has built the largest known dataset on human trafficking in North America. The data and expertise gained from two decades of working on trafficking situations in real time informs strategies that hold traffickers accountable, support survivors on their healing journeys and address the vulnerabilities that enable the business of stealing freedom for profit.

Human Trafficking in Clackamas County

In 2015, the Clackamas County District Attorney’s office began to assess the human trafficking issue within the county. Officials met with regional and national experts to research the issue and learned human trafficking affects individuals in every community regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic backgrounds.

What was clear was human trafficking was a problem everywhere, and Clackamas County was not the exception.

“Our main goal at the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office is to provide justice and safety to crime victims and our community, and combatting human trafficking plays a major role in that,” Clackamas County District Attorney John Wentworth said. “We are dedicated to fighting human trafficking and helping victims so they can go on to lead healthy, happy and productive lives.”

Senior Deputy District Attorney Rusty Amos, who leads the District Attorney’s Office’s Human Trafficking team, was a part of the original efforts to address trafficking. Prior to 2015, he served as a prosecutor in the county for over a decade and he quickly learned that victims of trafficking suffered “some of the worst trauma he had ever experienced with crime victims, and it was clear they needed our help,” he said. Amos was troubled by the system’s neglect of these victims and the misinformation within the community they were not real victims.

“We needed to develop a response to identify and help these survivors, educate the public and hold their abusers accountable. In developing a targeted response, our goals were simple: rescue victims and catch traffickers,” Amos said.

Partnering with agencies to fight human trafficking

It was during that same year in 2015, the district attorney’s office put together a work group and partnered with the county’s Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Coalition and local law enforcement to develop a response to trafficking in the county.

The work group evolved into the County’s Human Trafficking Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), which was certified by the Oregon Department of Justice – one of the first groups to receive the designation.

The team meets monthly with law enforcement, non-governmental organizations, the juvenile department, the state’s Department of Human Services, and other community partners. The MDT also has subcommittees to include the Law Enforcement subcommittee, Victim’s Services subcommittee, Training and Outreach, Data Collection, and a new Labor Trafficking subcommittee. The District Attorney’s office also serves as the chair of the Law Enforcement committee, Chair/Co-Chair of the victims services committee and Chairs the Data committee while actively participating in the other groups.

The MDT has developed protocols and guidelines about responding, investigating, prosecuting, and providing a continuum of care for victims. It developed a uniform screening tool to allow government agencies, organizations, law enforcement, hospitals, and other groups to identify victims or individuals at risk of being victimized and refer them to services. The District Attorney’s office and the MDT have also trained law enforcement, hospitals, hotels, community organizations and other groups within the region about human trafficking.

Diversion, education and working with law enforcement

In 2017, the District Attorney’s office incorporated a diversion program for those engaging in prostitution into their Community Court program to provide resources, counseling, and mentors to assist in changing their lifestyle. Since then, the Community Court has served hundreds of victims.

In 2023, the District Attorney’s office partnered with the Milwaukie Police Department to start a Sex Buyers Accountability and Diversion (SBAD) program to educate those purchasing sex about how their actions impact victims and the community. The money from the SBAD program is placed into the Clackamas County Human Trafficking Account to provide resources to victims and other groups and government agencies to assist in their efforts.

Since 2016, law enforcement implemented a proactive approach to identifying and investigating human trafficking cases while performing organized investigative operations to locate victims and hold traffickers and buyers accountable.

Human trafficking takes many forms

In 2023, law enforcement began to research illicit massage parlors within the region where individuals were induced, coerced, or forced to engage in sexual acts in exchange for money. According to the Polaris Project, new research finds an estimated 9,000-plus of these businesses are operating in every state in the country, with earnings totaling nearly $2.5 billion. It was clear this was happening in Clackamas County. In response, law enforcement conducted a six-month investigation into massage parlors within our jurisdiction and executed numerous warrants disrupting a large, organized human trafficking ring.

Victim Assistance

Victim Assistance provides support for victims of trafficking when a case is prosecuted as well as the collaboration of the Clackamas County Human Trafficking MDT (HTMDT). For anyone who is a victim of trafficking, being able to leave the situation can be extremely difficult for a variety of reasons:

• Stockholm Syndrome (sympathy/empathy with their trafficker)
• Debt bondage
• Isolation
• Fear of authority figures
• Fear of worse abuse if they leave
• Embarrassment/shame
• Survival

Some signs that a person may be a victim of trafficking are:

• Chronic runaway (minor)
• Prior or current DHS involvement
• Poor attendance at school
• Unexplained bruises/injuries
• Scripted answers/ inconsistent stories
• Just visiting a “friend” or unknown residence address
• Tattoos or brandings/ gang affiliation
• Frequent travel on the I-5 corridor
• “Boyfriend” much older man
• Attire does not match weather conditions

Victim Assistance supports trafficking victims through immediate crisis intervention, on scene response, safety planning, on-going support and information and referrals to other resources. An advocate can be reached at 503-655-8616 24/7.

Additional Resources

Safety Compass
P.O. Box 1293
Silverton, OR 97381
971-235-0012 (24hrs)
https://www.safetycompass.org
Immediate response and on-going support for survivors of the sex industry in Clackamas, Marion and Washington counties.

A Village for One
PO Box 3973 Tualatin OR 97062
503-730-1469
https://www.avillageforone.org/
Provides outpatient mental health services to youth, ages 25 and under, in Clackamas and Marion counties who are victims of trafficking or at high risk for trafficking.

National Human Trafficking Hotline
1-888-373-7888
https://humantraffickinghotline.org/
The National Human Trafficking Hotline connects victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking with services and supports to get help and stay safe. The Trafficking Hotline also receives tips about potential situations of sex and labor trafficking and facilitates reporting that information to the appropriate authorities in certain cases.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)
1-800-843-5678
TTY: 711
Text: 233733
https://www.missingkids.org/theissues/trafficking
National hotline for reporting missing children and suspected child victims of sex trafficking.

The Animal Abuse prosecutor handles all misdemeanor animal offenses.

The Animal Abuse prosecutor coordinates with the Oregon Humane Society and local law enforcement to guide investigations, charge cases, and hold defendants accountable for crimes they commit against animals. Justice for animals takes many forms: a criminal conviction for the abuser, probationary terms that mean animal abusers cannot possess animals, and civil processes that allow the state to remove animals from people convicted of abuse.

Make a report of animal cruelty

Abuse of the elderly (over the age of 65) affects some of our most vulnerable victims. Elder Abuse can occur anywhere: in the home, in nursing homes or other institutions. Abusers may be family members, acquaintances, care givers or other professionals in a position of trust. Victim Assistance is available to provide support and information to victims of elder abuse including non-offending family. Under Oregon Law, suspected elder abuse must be reported to law enforcement or adult protective services.

Elder abuse can take many different forms. Some signs of abuse are:

• Physical Abuse - Slap marks, unexplained bruises, most pressure marks, and certain types of burns or blisters, such as cigarette burns.
• Neglect - Pressure ulcers, filth, lack of medical care, malnutrition or dehydration.
• Emotional Abuse - Withdrawal from normal activities, unexplained changes in alertness, or other unusual behavioral changes.
• Sexual Abuse - Bruises around the breasts or genital area and unexplained sexually transmitted diseases.
• Financial Abuse/Exploitation - Sudden change in finances and accounts, altered wills and trusts, unusual bank withdrawals, checks written as "loans" or "gifts," and loss of property.

There is a specific protective order available to Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities (EPPDAPA) www.courts.oregon.gov/programs/family/domestic-violence/Pages/elderly-abuse.aspx. If you need assistance in applying for a protective order, please call Victim Assistance at 503-655-8616.

To report Elder Abuse in Clackamas County, you can contact law enforcement or Adult Protective Services (APS) at 971-673-6655.

Additional resources in Clackamas County Social Services website www.clackamas.us/socialservices/seniorresources.html or by calling 503-650-5622.

• If a child is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
• lf you suspect a child is being abused, call law enforcement or the Oregon Department of Human Services Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Number: 1-855-503-7233.
• As part of the District Attorney's Office, Victim Advocates are mandatory reporters required by law to report suspected child abuse and neglect.

You can call to talk to an advocate 24/7 at 503-655-8516

Abuse of someone under the age of 18 is considered child abuse. Types of child abuse include: neglect, physical abuse and sexual abuse. Often the person responsible for the abuse is done by someone that a child knows or who is part of their family.

Learning that a child has been physically or sexually abused can overwhelm the people who love and care for that child. Victim Assistance is here to provide support to the child as well as parents, family and caregivers that are helping the child in their healing from the abuse.

Throughout the investigation and prosecution of the case, a Victim Advocate will:

• Provide on-going contact with the parent or caregiver of the child to offer information and support.
• Assist the child or family in contacting law enforcement and the Deputy District Attorney assigned to their case
• Provide information on what to expect at different stages of the criminal justice system
• Assist victims and their family in accessing their rights within the criminal justice system
• Attend meetings and hearings with victims or their family
• Assist the child and their family in accessing appropriate support services such as
  • Applying for Crime Victim Compensation to assist with medical or counseling costs not covered by insurance
  • Connecting with the Children's Center of Clackamas County for medical examination and forensic interviewing due to suspected abuse
  • Referrals to counseling resources
  • Contacting DHS-Self Sufficiency for Financial Assistance

Under Oregon law sexual abuse is defined in ORS 163.415 as any non-consensual sexual contact. This includes contact resulting from physical force or a threat of force that places a person in fear of immediate or future death or physical injury to self or another person. Common terms that are associated with sexual assault are: rape, sex abuse and sodomy.

There is no "normal" reaction to being sexually abused. Frequently victims of sexual abuse report feeling overwhelmed, numb, anxious, angry or feeling a lack of control. You may have difficulty concentrating, being around other people, sleeping or eating. These reactions to sexual abuse can make difficult to decide what steps you want to take

Even if you do not seem physically injured, it is important to medical attention as soon as possible after an assault. You do not need to report being sexually assaulted to the police to have a sexual abuse examination. A sexual assault examination can include preventative treatment against STDs and HIV and the exam will preserve any potential physical evidence if you later decide to report the assault to the police. lf the exam is done within 7 days of the assault, the Sexual Assault Victims' Emergency (SAVE) fund is able to pay the costs of the exam.

Our Victim Advocates are here to provide emotional support in the immediate aftermath of sexual abuse as well as provide advocacy, resources and referrals to assist you in your recovery process. lf you report your abuse to law enforcement, a victim advocate will provide support and information throughout the criminal justice process.

Whether or not you report your abuse to law enforcement, a victim advocate can:

• Explain your options of reporting the sexual abuse to law enforcement
• Provide support during a medical exam
• Provide information and referrals to available resources
• Help you access funds to pay for your medical exam
• Help you make a safety plan
• Assist with filing a protective order

ln addition, if you report the crime to law enforcement, a victim advocate can:

• Support you throughout the criminal justice process
• Provide notification of court hearings and their outcomes
• Accompany you to court hearings and meetings with law enforcement or the prosecutor
• Assist you in understanding and exercising your victim rights
• Provide on-going referrals to resources and assist with safety planning as your needs change

Victim Assistance is here to help
Please call 503-655-8616 (24 hr) or email: victimsassistance@clackamas.us

Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior between intimate partners or family members that allows one person to maintain power and control over another person.

Domestic violence can happen to anyone: all ages, races, religions, educational backgrounds, and income levels. Abuse can include physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological behaviors. Examples of these behaviors include:

• Jealousy
• Constantly wanting to know where you are and what you’re doing
• Preventing you from spending time with family or friends
• Hitting, pushing, strangling, kicking
• Threatening to use a weapon or some other object
• Forcing you to perform a sexual act
• Preventing you from leaving
• Not allowing you access to money to buy food or pay bills
• Causing problems at your work, getting you fired

Victim Assistance is here to help

If you are a victim of domestic violence or want support for a loved one, our office can provide:

• Physical and emotional support immediately after a crime has occurred
• Safety planning appropriate to your situation
• Support while applying for protective orders
• Referrals to appropriate resources
• Support while reporting to law enforcement
• Information about your rights as a victim of crime
• Information, support and accompaniment throughout the criminal justice process
• Support in applying for assistance with medical or counseling expenses related to a crime (Crime Victim Compensation)
• Assistance with requesting restitution for out of pocket expenses