Daryl Hannah Fights Human Trafficking Deniers in Oregon

by Dana Liebelson · 2011-01-20 12:30:00 UTC
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This week, a blonde movie star did a far better job combating trafficking in Oregon than the state’s largest newspaper. The Oregonian published an article last Thursday debunking the idea that Portland is a human trafficking hub. The underlying argument of the investigative piece is that there are not enough statistics backing the oft-reached conclusion that Portland, Oregon (occasionally derided as “Pornland”) is a hotspot for traffickers. The author “reveals” that, “no one really knows if the problem in Portland is any worse than anywhere else.”

However, this “no news is good news” article isn’t telling the whole truth. Oregon recently received a “D” from the Shared Hope International's Protected Innocence Initiative, and in 2009 the Sexual Assault Resource Center served at least 75 victims of trafficking. So what can Kill Bill star, Daryl Hannah teach The Oregonian about trafficking? The actress recently went riding along with Oregon officers as they patrolled strip bars and areas known for prostitution. She reported that she was “shocked” by what she saw, and didn’t realize that pimps represent the majority of young girls working in strip clubs.

If this sounds contradictory to The Oregonian’s latest article, don’t be surprised — the newspaper has also contradicted itself. Precisely one year ago, the same author of this article reported that the human trafficking industry is “thriving” in Portland, and the city is a “growing hub.” So did Portland solve its trafficking problem in a year? Unlikely. The truth is that trafficking statistics are indeed notoriously difficult to track down, and it would be wise to fund more more investigations. However, “no news” articles such as this one set legislation back by perpetuating the myth that trafficking can’t happen at home.

Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) recently helped pass a bill that encourages cracking down on trafficking, and funds more shelters for victims. This legislation will help fill a couple of the gaps outlined by Protected Innocence. Unfortunately, after the article’s publication, Wyden had to defend his excellent bill all over again. He acknowledged that “any woman involved in sex trafficking is one young woman too many.” Daryl Hannah also supported his bill, adding that she finds it “shocking” that there are no shelters for these victims.

In short, Hannah and Wyden are supporting legislation that could lift even one girl out of the violent spiral that is sex trafficking. Or 75 girls. Or hundreds. Call me crazy, but that's what I call news. Do your part to  fight sex trafficking in Oregon by signing this petition.

Photo Credit: United Nations Photo

Dana Liebelson Dana Liebelson is a writer from Washington, DC, and works for an international journalism non-profit organization.

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