Douglas County Declares January as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. — The Douglas County Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation Wednesday declaring January 2026 as National Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month in Douglas County.

The proclamation states that January is a time to raise awareness about human trafficking and educate the public on how to identify and prevent the crime. It references the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) and notes that since 2010, each U.S. president has proclaimed January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

The proclamation describes human trafficking as a public health issue and a crime that impacts communities worldwide. It states trafficking can happen to anyone, but certain populations face greater risk, including people affected by abuse, violence, poverty, unstable living situations, or social disconnection.

The document also states that trafficking is connected to other forms of violence and exploitation and can share common risk and protective factors, including lack of resources and unsafe environments.

The proclamation references the 2026 theme, “Stronger Connections. Stronger Futures,” and states the theme underscores the need to understand how human trafficking relates to other forms of violence and how prevention can be strengthened through protective factors at all levels.

The proclamation also recognizes the Douglas County Human Trafficking Task Force, describing it as a coordinated community-wide effort supported by more than 25 partner agencies, health care providers, nonprofit organizations and businesses.

The proclamation was signed by Commissioner Tom Kress (Chair), Commissioner Chris Boice, and Commissioner Tim Freeman, and dated Jan. 21, 2026.