New Study Reveals Alarming Gang Connection to Sex Trafficking Cases

Portland State University study shows 49.1 percent of sex trafficking cases have gang connection.

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(WASHINGTON DC) - On Monday, August 05, 2013, Portland State University researchers released a much anticipated study on the scope of child sex trafficking in Portland, OR. The study revealed that between 2009 – 2013, 469 children were exploited through sex trafficking in Portland. The average age a commercially sexually exploited child was first referred to the Department of Human Services (DHS) or the Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC) was 15.5 years old (please note: this is the age of referral not the age the child was first exploited). The youngest trafficking victim referred to DHS or SARC was only eight years old.

The findings of this report align with a nationwide trend that shows an alarming increase of gang involvement in human trafficking. Of the 159 CSEC youth currently being served by DHS and/or SARC, 49.1 percent of youth have been exploited by gang members, are affiliated gang members or indicated that gang influence plays a large part in their lives. The 2011 National Gang Threat Assessment prepared by the FBI’s National Gang Intelligence Center states “Over the past year, federal, state, and local law enforcement officials in at least 35 states and U.S territories have reported that gangs in their jurisdictions are involved in alien smuggling, human trafficking, or prostitution.”

In response to this emerging trend, Shared Hope International is preparing to release a new training video on gang trafficking. The video will use interviews with law enforcement agents, service providers and victims to explain how gangs recruit victims, why gang trafficking is becoming increasingly common, and how law enforcement agents and service providers can identify and respond to this new threat. The video is slated for release in early November and will supplement existing training materials.

ABOUT SHARED HOPE INTERNATIONAL: Shared Hope International was established in 1998, by former U.S. Congresswoman Linda Smith, to prevent, rescue and restore, and bring justice to women and children in crisis. We provide leadership in awareness, training, prevention strategies, restorative care, research, and policy initiatives. For more information about Shared Hope International, go to www.sharedhope.org