NEWARK — Attorney General Jennifer Davenport today announced the launch of a public awareness campaign designed to help combat human trafficking as the opening matches of the World Cup draw near, potentially increasing opportunities for traffickers to exploit and profit from their victims.

Unveiled today during a news conference at Newark Liberty International Airport, the campaign is a cooperative effort among the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, the New York City Mayor’s Office, the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development (DOL), and the nonprofit organization It’s a Penalty, which recruited soccer players to serve as ambassadors warning the public about the risk of human trafficking associated with large international sporting events.

The campaign and other efforts being undertaken by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office aim to make the public aware of the red flags of human trafficking and to get the word out to mass transit riders, soccer fans, visitors, and victims about where they can report suspected sex and labor trafficking, and what resources are available to assist survivors.

“Soccer fans from across the globe are being drawn to the New Jersey-New York area for an opportunity to witness and be part of the excitement surrounding the world’s most highly anticipated and watched sports tournament,” said Attorney General Davenport. “Such events are thrilling but are often exploited by human traffickers. We want everyone’s visit to New Jersey to be memorable, fun, and safe, and to that end it is critical that the public exercises vigilance, knows what to look out for, and knows how to respond if they see or experience exploitation.”

“As the world's greatest soccer teams compete in New Jersey for the FIFA World Cup 26, the Department of Labor is proud to support Attorney General Davenport and the ‘It's a Penalty’ campaign to combat human trafficking,” said Acting DOL Commissioner Kevin D. Jarvis. “While we fans celebrate the excitement of this once-in-a-lifetime tournament taking place in our home state, we’re also committed to protecting the rights of every worker making it possible — from hotel and restaurant staff to transportation crews, public workers, and venue teams. Everyone deserves a safe and memorable World Cup, and that begins with protecting the rights and dignity of all people.”

The It’s a Penalty campaign will unite government agencies, leading global corporations, and professional soccer players to raise awareness of human trafficking. The prevention campaign running ahead of, and during, the global soccer event will include ad placements and activities at airports, airlines, hotels, accommodation providers, transportation networks, media platforms, and fan venues in New Jersey, New York, and other host locations. Awareness tools will include educational videos, reporting mechanisms, training for frontline staff, and resources for fans, travelers, and the general public.

While not the cause of trafficking, major sporting events can increase opportunities for exploitation of vulnerable members of society. This campaign aims to ensure that millions of fans, travelers, and local communities have access to vital information and tools to protect themselves and others.

Local businesses or other organizations interested in being part of this campaign can find downloadable and printable versions of informational posters that they can display on their premises. The posters, which feature human trafficking hotlines and other information, can be accessed by visiting the World Cup page of the New Jersey Attorney General’s website at www.njoag.gov/oag-fifa-human-trafficking.

In addition to making sure that the public has a greater awareness of how to detect and report suspected human trafficking, law enforcement will be investing significant resources before and during the tournament to uncover and disrupt trafficking networks. Operations will be conducted statewide before and during the tournament to promote public safety, rescue victims, and hold those who are exploiting them accountable. This multipronged approach will involve ensuring that survivors have access to resources and are supported through the legal process. The Attorney General’s Office, the New Jersey State Police (NJSP), the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), law enforcement across New Jersey, and the DOL will be working in concert to combat trafficking in its various forms.

Some signs of human trafficking include situations in which victims may:

• Avoid eye contact or exhibit extraordinarily fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, or paranoid behavior

• Be recruited through false promises

• Not speak for themselves even if they’re directly addressed

• Not have the freedom to separate themselves from those accompanying them

• Exhibit signs of physical abuse, physical restraint, confinement, or torture

• Appear underfed or malnourished

• Be in the commercial sex industry and have a pimp/manager

• Be unpaid, paid minimally, or paid only through tips

• Not be allowed breaks or have unusual restrictions at work

Another initiative being undertaken by New Jersey law enforcement to promote public safety during the tournament is a new mobile application developed specifically for the World Cup by the NJSP. After users download the app, create an account, and subscribe to “WORLDCUPNJ” for updates, the app will provide alerts from the State Police and other trusted authorities at various levels of government about emergencies, traffic and mass transit issues, and other incidents. After a user downloads the app and registers, the application automatically reads the language settings on their mobile device and translates messaging into the language their phone uses, providing translations into approximately 35 different languages. The app allows agencies to provide informational messages, situational awareness updates, and instructions if any emergency situations develop. Anyone interested in staying in the know and getting alerts is encouraged to download the Public Safety by Everbridge app being made available by the NJSP.

Visitors and residents who believe they have identified trafficking victims should contact 855-END-NJ-HT (855-363-6548). If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking or for victim assistance, contact Covenant House 24/7 at 862-240-2453.