Human Trafficking

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Report suspected trafficking — free, confidential, 24/7  ·  National Hotline: 1-888-373-7888  ·  NJ Hotline: 1-855-END-NJ-HT  ·  Emergency: 911

SEXUAL VIOLENCE SUPPORT

Human Trafficking

Trafficking is modern-day enslavement — and it happens in New Jersey. Learn the signs, understand the risks, and find real, practical ways to be part of the solution.

What Is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person into labor or commercial sexual activity. It takes two main forms — sex trafficking and labor trafficking — and it can affect people of any age, gender, or background. Victims are often hidden in plain sight: in hotels, restaurants, nail salons, agriculture, domestic work, and online.

You do not need proof or certainty to report a concern. Trusting your instincts and calling a hotline lets trained professionals assess the situation — and it can save a life.

New Jersey Is on the Front Line

New Jersey is especially vulnerable to trafficking. Its dense population, its position along the I-95 corridor, and its proximity to New York City and Philadelphia make it a hub that traffickers exploit.

As of April 2025, the National Human Trafficking Hotline had connected 2,389 trafficking cases and 4,752 identified victims to New Jersey.

The New Jersey Human Trafficking Task Force, convened by the state Attorney General and the Division of Criminal Justice, works to prevent trafficking, prosecute traffickers, and support survivors across the state.

The 2026 World Cup and Trafficking Risk

This summer, the 2026 FIFA World Cup brought more than 1.2 million visitors to the New York–New Jersey region, with matches — including the final — at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. In the lead-up, NJ Transit launched its “Safe Passage” anti-trafficking initiative, agencies expanded awareness campaigns and police presence around the stadium, and the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking partnered with the global campaign It’s a Penalty and organized a statewide “World Cup ACT” effort — including a Weekend of Action and a town proclamation project — to raise awareness before, during, and after the tournament.

Following the tournament, New York and New Jersey law enforcement reported more than 150 trafficking-related arrests. The NYPD’s Special Victims Unit made 89 arrests and connected 43 survivors — including seven minors — to support services, while New Jersey State Police made 71 arrests and identified 97 survivors. Officials emphasized that this reflects months of cross-agency preparation, and that anti-trafficking work continues year-round, not just around major events.

Awareness is prevention. The more people who know the signs, the fewer places traffickers have to hide.

Know the Warning Signs

Trafficking can be hard to spot. These are some of the signs that someone may need help.

Seems fearful or anxious, or gives scripted, coached answers

Is closely watched or controlled by another person

Is not free to come and go as they wish

Has no ID, money, or personal belongings of their own

Shows signs of abuse, injury, or exhaustion

Works long hours for little or no pay

Be Part of the Solution

Beyond noticing and reporting, there are concrete, everyday ways to help dismantle trafficking.

Learn the signs — take a short training so you can recognize trafficking

Save the hotlines in your phone so you’re ready to act

Shop and travel ethically — choose fair-trade and survivor-made products

Give or volunteer with local anti-trafficking organizations

Advocate — ask your elected officials to fund prevention and survivor services

Raise awareness in your workplace, faith community, or school

See Something? Say Something.

You don’t need to be certain. Report a concern and let trained professionals respond — it’s free, confidential, and available 24/7.

National Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
NJ Hotline: 1-855-END-NJ-HT






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