by Victor M. Peralta, Jr
An Urgent, Shared Responsibility
With more than 20 years of experience working alongside New York City law enforcement agencies, I’ve conducted human trafficking outreach that led to meaningful, lasting impact – helping victims and survivors find safety, support, and a path forward. I’ve also had the privilege of working alongside dedicated professionals who fight this issue every day.
I learned that this crime is often hidden in plain sight. During outreach, I saw how fear showed itself in subtle ways – avoided eye contact, guarded body language, and a silence that spoke louder than words. Many of the individuals we encountered showed signs of both physical and psychological abuse, a lack of control over their own choices, and deep isolation from any support systems. I met people in places most would overlook or pass by without a second thought: on the streets, in hotels and motels, in agricultural fields, and even at worksites that appeared ordinary from the outside. What struck me most was how often someone’s surroundings did not match their reality. Behind what seemed like normal situations were individuals carrying fear, exhaustion, and a quiet hope that someone might notice and help.
As global events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approach, collaboration and awareness become even more critical.
As Kate Lee, Executive Director of the NJ Coalition Against Human Trafficking, explains:
“It is always important for domestic violence and sexual violence experts to work alongside human trafficking experts due to the intersectionality of our fields, but with the World Cup, collaboration is needed more than ever. We know from survivors that big sporting events create an increase in demand, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the longest in tournament history…taking place over more than 6 weeks. Collaboration is strength and that’s why we organize awareness efforts ahead of the World Cup. We’ve created the World Cup Action Collaborative against Trafficking (World Cup ACT) to bring together experts who understand coercive control, are trauma informed, and are familiar with providing holistic support, along with survivors and the public to mobilize as one. If we all use the same survivor informed language and training, all of us, survivors, providers and the public will be better able to combat trafficking and offer the safety and support needed by those affected by it.”
Survivor voices are equally powerful. Gina Cavallo, NJ Coalition Against Human Trafficking Speaker, Author, Advocate, NJ Commissions on Human Trafficking Appointed Commissioner, and NJ American Academy of Pediatrics HT Task Force-Co-Chair, reminds us:
“Human trafficking didn’t happen to me in some dark alley. It happened in ordinary places, by people who didn’t look dangerous, while the world around me went on as if nothing was wrong. That’s why awareness matters. The 2026 World Cup will bring millions of people into our communities and hidden among the excitement will be individuals who are being controlled, threatened, and exploited. When the public learns to truly see, to notice fear and silence instead of looking away, lives can change.”
What is human trafficking?
Human trafficking is often misunderstood. It does not always look dramatic or obvious, and it does not only happen “somewhere else.” It exists in our cities, suburbs, and rural communities and can affect anyone.
Human trafficking occurs when individuals are forced, deceived, or coerced into labor, sexual exploitation, or other activities against their will. While it is hard to estimate the number of victims, it is believed that 27.6 million people worldwide have been victims of human trafficking. 3 out of 4 are victims of labor trafficking, while 1 of 4 are victims of sex trafficking. Traffickers commonly rely on manipulation, fear, financial pressure, or false promises of help and opportunity. Because these tactics are subtle, trafficking can be difficult to recognize.
Human trafficking harms entire communities, not just individuals. In 2024, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received 884 calls about incidents within NJ; 77 of these calls were directly from survivors. NJ is considered a high-risk location for human trafficking because of its dense population, location on the I-95 corridor, and multiple modes of transportation such as ports, railways, and airplanes.
Victims often experience long-term trauma, health challenges, and instability. Families and neighborhoods are affected when exploitation goes unnoticed. Communities may see increased violence, substance abuse, homelessness, and a breakdown of trust and safety.
Strong communities are built on dignity, connection, and protection. When trafficking is ignored or misunderstood, these foundations are weakened.
Prevention Starts with Awareness and Connection
Prevention is possible, and it works best when people work together. Effective strategies include:
- Learning the signs of trafficking and sharing accurate information: some signs include not having control of their passports or other IDs; needing to defer to someone else before answering questions; acting fearful of the person they are with; tattoos or branding marks; suddenly coming into unexplained money or extravagant gifts that don’t make sense; appearing malnourished or exhausted, fearful or withdrawn.
- Creating safe spaces where people feel comfortable asking for help: sharing information both spreads awareness and lets people know that you are a safe person to approach for help.
- Supporting education around healthy relationships and personal boundaries; most trafficking is done by someone the victim knows such as a partner or friend. Healthy relationship education makes it easier for people to notice red flags in their relationships with other people.
- Strengthening connections between schools, families, and community organizations: trafficking often targets people who are isolated. Community connection reduces vulnerability and makes it easier for others to notice when something is wrong.
- Speaking up and reporting concerns when something does not feel right. If you see someone in immediate need of intervention, you can call 911. You can also call the New Jersey Human Trafficking hotline 855.END.NJ.HT (855-363-6548).
Prevention is not about fear, it’s about awareness, compassion, and collective responsibility.
The Role of Safe+Sound Somerset
At Safe+Sound Somerset, prevention is at the center of the work we do. By focusing on education, support, and community outreach, we help reduce the vulnerabilities that traffickers exploit.
Our work includes:
- Educating young people, parents, and professionals on safety and prevention
- Supporting individuals and families during difficult and vulnerable times
- Promoting healthy relationships and personal empowerment
- Partnering with community organizations to strengthen local resources
When people feel informed, supported, and connected, exploitation becomes far less likely.
Moving Forward Together
Human trafficking prevention is everyone’s responsibility. When communities commit to learning, supporting one another, and taking action, we create safer futures for all.
Awareness saves lives. Collaboration creates change. Compassion builds protection.
