NJ Coalition Against Human Trafficking Teams Up with International Sports Awareness Organization “It’s a Penalty” to Prevent Trafficking at FIFA 2026 World Cup.
The New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking (NJCAHT) is partnering with UK‑based It’s a Penalty to bring prevention to the New Jersey region during the FIFA 2026 World Cup. Together the two organizations will help to ensure that messaging is survivor‑informed and consistent as fans travel in and out of the region during the month‑long tournament starting in June 2026, with the final being played at MetLife Stadium on July 19.
It’s a Penalty focuses on raising awareness and driving action to combat human trafficking, exploitation, and abuse through campaigns at major global sporting events. Since its inception, the organization has reached over 2.5 billion people worldwide.
Partnering with the NJ Coalition Against Human Trafficking, a survivor‑inclusive organization that for the past 14 years has united the people of New Jersey to end human trafficking through education and awareness training, is a win for the fight to prevent the exploitation and abuse of people during the World Cup.
NJCAHT Vice President and Survivor Consultant, Gina Cavallo, says: “Survivors must be at the heart of every effort to prevent human trafficking. Our voices matter, and it is time they are heard. I speak from experience: I was once sold by traffickers at large sporting events, and I understand the fear and silence victims are forced to live under.”
“Human trafficking does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. This is why collaboration is essential. No single organization or agency can address trafficking alone; we must work together. The New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking is bringing together survivor leaders and professionals from across the country to strengthen prevention strategies, especially as we prepare for the 2026 World Cup in New Jersey and beyond.”
Ms. Cavallo emphasizes: “Planting seeds of kindness, showing compassion, and believing survivors are the first steps to building trust and holding traffickers accountable. Together, we can protect the vulnerable and ensure survivors’ voices are never silenced.”
Human trafficking affects an estimated 50 million people globally, with traffickers generating an astonishing $236 billion annually from forced labor and sexual exploitation. In the United States, trafficking has been reported in all 50 states and territories.
With large crowds, there can be a rise in sex trafficking due to increased demand for commercial sex, while labor trafficking is a concern in the construction of event infrastructure and the reliance on exploited labor in industries like hospitality and transportation. Migrant workers are particularly vulnerable, as seen during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Although trafficking patterns may shift geographically rather than increase overall, these events amplify existing issues, offering organizations a platform to spotlight the year‑round nature of trafficking and advocate for systemic change.
“It’s an honor to be working alongside It’s a Penalty,” said NJCAHT Executive Director, Kate Lee. “They have an impressive track record of effectively raising awareness at large sporting events through their partnerships with hospitality groups and their ambassadors who are sporting greats, so together we’ll have a greater impact on getting awareness to as many people as possible.”
“It’s a Penalty is proud to partner with survivor‑inclusive organization NJCAHT,” says Sarah de Carvalho, CEO of It’s a Penalty. “It is so important that our work is informed by survivors and locally based anti‑trafficking initiatives at every stage. We look forward to a successful campaign that informs the public about available support and how to report concerns, leaving a positive legacy around the 2026 World Cup. With NJCAHT’s expertise and survivor leadership, we can reach more people, build safer environments, and support communities long after the games end.”
John‑Michael Lander, a survivor and former athlete, reminds us that anyone—girls, boys, men, and women—can be victims of this crime: “At 14, as an Olympic‑bound diver, the adults entrusted with my training exploited and trafficked me throughout high school while I represented the USA in international competitions. No one questioned it; my success, background, and those around me made it seem impossible. In my small rural town, people believed trafficking couldn’t happen here. But it can happen to anyone at any age, anywhere, and anytime.”
ABOUT: NEW JERSEY COALITION AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING (NJCAHT)
The New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking (NJCAHT) is a volunteer‑based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2011 with a mission to unite NJ communities to end human trafficking. It provides trauma‑informed and survivor‑informed awareness training in schools, healthcare, financial services, and all community groups wishing to learn how to end sex and labor trafficking in New Jersey. Comprising over 150 volunteers and more than 200 affiliates—including nonprofits, faith‑based organizations, academics, law enforcement, and direct service providers—it works to empower communities with the knowledge of what human trafficking is, how to prevent it, and how to support those affected by it. More information at: www.safernj.org
ABOUT: IT’S A PENALTY
It’s a Penalty focuses on raising awareness and driving action to combat human trafficking, exploitation, and abuse through campaigns at major global sporting events. Since its inception, the organization has reached over 2.5 billion people worldwide. In addition to campaigns, it runs programs advocating for legal reform, training university students in the UK, and equipping sports coaches and parents to safeguard children.
http://www.safernj.org/