Press Release  Massachusetts Highlights Human Trafficking Prevention and Public Awareness Campaign Ahead of World Cup 2026

BOSTON — Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, local, state, federal and community partners are working together to strengthen Massachusetts’ response to human trafficking before, during, and after the tournament. The coordinated plan focuses on sex and labor trafficking involving adults and youth with an emphasis on identifying risks, strengthening prevention, supporting frontline responders, expanding public awareness and improving access to help. 

To guide that work, the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) convened a multi-agency Human Trafficking Working Group that brings together expertise from public safety, public health, transportation, labor, victim services, law enforcement and community-based response. The collaboration also draws on the expertise of the Governor’s Council on Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking, the Human Trafficking Subcommittee’s Sex Trafficking Branch and consultation with people with lived experience. 

“Massachusetts is preparing now to ensure that the FIFA World Cup is safe, welcoming and successful for everyone who visits our state,” said Governor Maura Healey. “That means bringing together law enforcement, public health leaders, transportation partners, survivor advocates and community organizations to prevent human trafficking, support victims and raise awareness. We want the world to see the very best of Massachusetts, and that includes our commitment to protecting vulnerable people and keeping our communities safe.” 

“Major international events require planning, coordination, and partnership, and that’s exactly what Massachusetts is doing,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We’re taking a proactive approach by training frontline workers, educating the public, supporting service providers, and strengthening response systems before visitors begin arriving. The work we’re doing today will help protect people during the World Cup and strengthen these efforts long after the tournament ends.” 

“As Massachusetts prepares to welcome the world, my office is working with state partners to ensure the FIFA World Cup is safe, fair, and successful for everyone. We remain committed to protecting residents and visitors from labor and sexual exploitation, protecting consumers, and ensuring our communities are safe,” said Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell.  

“Public safety includes protecting vulnerable populations,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “This effort is about making sure people on the front lines know what to look for, workers understand their rights, the public has access to clear information, and victims and survivors can get connected to the help they need.” 

“MassDOT and the MBTA are proud to support ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking through education, awareness, and public engagement across our multimodal transportation network. As Massachusetts prepares to welcome visitors from around the world for the FIFA World Cup, it is more important than ever that we work together to recognize the signs of human trafficking and ensure that our multimodal transportation network remains safe, accessible, and welcoming for everyone,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to protecting vulnerable individuals and strengthening public safety through collaboration with law enforcement, advocacy organizations, transportation partners, and community stakeholders. By expanding awareness campaigns through our transit and transportation systems, we are helping to equip employees, riders, and the public with the knowledge needed to identify and report potential trafficking activity.” 

The Human Trafficking Working Group has led several initiatives to strengthen readiness both for the World Cup as well as the Commonwealth’s long-term statewide capacity, including: 

• Training and preparedness: Frontline personnel are being equipped to better recognize and respond to trafficking concerns through a first responder “Know the Signs” guide, trainings made available through the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, and targeted training for transportation personnel. 
   
• Worker protections: The Attorney General’s Office, in collaboration with the City of Boston, the Boston Host Committee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup (Boston 26), EOPSS, community organizations and labor groups, is distributing labor education materials, offering virtual “Know Your Rights” trainings, supporting vendor education, and conducting outreach to workers and vendors connected to World Cup activity. 
• Public awareness and outreach: Massachusetts has partnered with It’s a Penalty, a global awareness organization working with host cities ahead of World Cup 2026, to launch a public awareness campaign focused on sex and labor trafficking. Campaign materials include messages about control, withheld identification, unpaid work, and pressure to trade sex or favors for money, food or shelter, paired with player-led imagery, hotline information, QR codes, translated materials, and outreach across the MBTA, Logan Airport, rideshare and short-term rental platforms, and hospitality and restaurant networks. A second awareness effort with Rights 4 Girls will focus on the demand that fuels sex trafficking, including a soccer-themed billboard near Boston Stadium on Route 1 and related social media content. 
• Youth engagement and prevention: Massachusetts has partnered with Cape Verdean Women United and the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office to support youth-focused awareness and prevention efforts connected to the World Cup. As part of the initiative, youth can design personalized impact cards inspired by the collectible player cards popular among soccer fans, featuring a pledge to promote healthy relationships and their own “offense” and “defense” strategies to help recognize, prevent, and combat human trafficking.  
• Coordinated response and survivor support: Partners are strengthening law enforcement coordination and building response tracks for both adults and youth, with support available 24/7 through service providers, district attorneys, Children’s Advocacy Centers, the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Youth Services, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, law enforcement, and the National Human Trafficking Hotline. The effort also includes expanded Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner coverage in area emergency departments and through Telenursing. 
• Direct service support: Through the Office of Grants and Research, approximately $390,000 in state funding is being made available to Human Trafficking direct service providers that may need emergency or ongoing support for victims and survivors. These funds will allow 15 experienced nonprofit service providers to add staff and resources necessary to respond to increased referrals and meet the needs of exploitation victims.  

This work builds on the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s recently announced Five-Year Statewide Plan to Address Sex Trafficking, which lays out a long-term, survivor-centered roadmap for prevention, coordination, accountability, and expanded support across Massachusetts. The World Cup effort applies that broader work to a major global event and is designed to strengthen systems and partnerships that will continue to benefit the Commonwealth well beyond the tournament. 

If someone is in immediate danger, call or text 9-1-1. For help or to report concerns, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733. More resources are available at Mass.gov/WorldCup. 

Human Trafficking Working Group Members: 
The working group includes representatives from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security; Boston 26; the Massachusetts Department of Transportation; the Executive Office for Administration and Finance; the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office; the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance; the Massachusetts State Police; the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency; the Massachusetts Department of Public Health; the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority; Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner partners in Massachusetts and Rhode Island; municipal law enforcement partners, including the Boston Police Department and Foxborough Police Department; other municipal partners from Boston, Cambridge, and Foxborough; Rhode Island public safety and health partners; district attorneys; federal partners, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency; FIFA planning groups; Jane Doe, Inc.; the Massachusetts Children’s Alliance; and county Children’s Advocacy Centers. 

Statements of Support  

Boston Police Department Deputy Superintendent John Fitzgerald: 
“The Boston Police Department Human Trafficking Unit does this critical work year-round. We are survivor focused, while working to reduce demand. We have increased the scope of our operations to manage the size of this summer’s events. Over the past three months, we have worked proactively on demand reduction operations connected to FIFA, and this will continue throughout the summer,” said. “We will continue to lock up human traffickers and to support survivors. We are grateful to our partners at the FBI, Massachusetts State Police, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the US Marshals Service. If you are in danger, or have concerns about a young person - or a potential victim of any age - please do not hesitate to call 911.” 

Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division: 
“Major international sporting events like the World Cup can create conditions that attract human traffickers seeking to exploit vulnerable people, regardless of age, race, sex, or ethnicity. That’s why FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation – Human Trafficking Task Force will be working around the clock conducting proactive enforcement operations and outreach in the lead-up to and during the tournament to identify victims of labor and sex trafficking, get them the help they need, and ensure the predators who so viciously abused them are brought to justice. Global celebration must never come at the expense of human dignity and safety. By working as one coordinated team with a victim-centered approach, our goal is to do everything in our power to protect victims from further harm.” 

Jeffrey Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations New England: 
“Homeland Security Investigations is proud to stand with our partners to help ensure the World Cup in Boston is a safe experience for everyone by combating human trafficking. We are working together to share resources and expertise, empower industries supporting the games, and raise awareness about the signs of human trafficking. Human trafficking often hides in plain sight, but the public can make a difference. If you see something, say something.”

Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Public Health: 
“The World Cup will bring extraordinary energy, celebration, and connection to Massachusetts, but we cannot ignore the painful truth that events of this scale increase the risk of human trafficking and exploitation. Behind closed doors and too often unnoticed, vulnerable people can be targeted for abuse, coercion, and violence. Human trafficking is a serious public health threat, and preventing it requires all of us to pay attention, speak up, and work together. Public health, public safety, law enforcement, advocates, and community partners all have vital roles to play in recognizing warning signs, reducing stigma, supporting survivors, and protecting human dignity. As we welcome the world to Massachusetts, we also resolve to keep safety, compassion, and humanity at the center of this historic moment.”  

Staverne Miller, Commissioner, Department of Children and Families: 
“The Department of Children and Families is proud to be part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s work alongside our sister agencies to combat human trafficking during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We are committed to providing essential services and support to the children and families who may be affected by this serious issue. Together, we aim to foster a safer, more just community for all.” 

Cecely Reardon, Commissioner, Department of Youth Services:
“Human trafficking inflicts profound harm on individuals, families, and entire communities. Confronting this challenge demands a collective effort to raise awareness and reinforce prevention strategies that safeguard young people and offer comprehensive support to those impacted. DYS is honored to collaborate with state and local partners, as well as advocates throughout the Commonwealth, to combat trafficking and empower survivors.” 

Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden: 
“I'm proud to join my law enforcement and government partners in welcoming World Cup fans to Boston and Massachusetts.  We are well aware of the tremendous fun, excitement and economic benefits this international event is bringing to our region.  We are also aware that major sporting events present opportunities for human traffickers.  We will work with all of our partners to identify, arrest and prosecute anyone engaged in trafficking activities.”  

Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz: 
“World Cup 2026 descending upon Massachusetts is both an exciting event, and a critical opportunity for us to raise awareness and strengthen our response to human trafficking. In Plymouth County, we have been training area hotel employees on the common indicators of exploitation and helping them to identify situations that might otherwise go unnoticed. Human Trafficking does not come and go with a soccer event, it is an issue that people experience year-round. Our goal is to ensure that every individual who has experienced trafficking is given the support, care, and justice that they deserve.” 

Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr.: 
“Human trafficking is a crime that thrives in the shadows, making public awareness and prevention efforts essential. As we prepare to welcome visitors around the world for the FIFA World Cup, we are proud to be working alongside law enforcement and community partners to raise awareness and strengthen prevention efforts. Through education, collaboration, and vigilance, we can help identify human trafficking, support survivors, hold traffickers accountable, and ensure this exciting event is safe and enjoyable for everyone.” 

Liam Lowney, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA): 
“It is essential that we raise awareness and strengthen our collective response to human trafficking, MOVA is grateful to our partners and the community-based programs that serve survivors daily across Massachusetts to ensure access to information, safety, and support." 

Audra Doody, Co-CEO, Safe Exit Initiative:  
“You can’t just sit back and wait for change; you must be part of the solution. Major events like the World Cup shine a light on critical issues such as human trafficking. As a member of the Governor's Council to Address Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and Human Trafficking, I am dedicated to addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, championing our efforts throughout the state to protect the vulnerable and create safer communities for all.” 

Tom King, Executive Director, Massachusetts Children's Alliance: 
“Protecting children from exploitation and trafficking requires ongoing vigilance, collaboration, and a coordinated response across disciplines and communities. Massachusetts Children's Alliance, the statewide coalition of twelve Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs), appreciates the Healey-Driscoll Administration's commitment to raising awareness of these issues in advance of the FIFA World Cup. Our CACs play a critical role in providing coordinated, trauma-informed responses to children impacted by abuse, exploitation and trafficking, helping ensure that children and youth throughout the Commonwealth have access to the support and pathways to healing they need.” 

Sunindiya Bhalla, MPH, MBA, Executive Vice President, Women & 2Gen at Roca: 
“Human trafficking is far more prevalent in our communities than most people recognize—and the World Cup will bring thousands of visitors to Massachusetts, concentrating that risk for those already most vulnerable to exploitation. The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s collaborative plan to address and raise awareness about human trafficking reflects the kind of committed systemic approach this issue demands. We're proud to be part of this effort alongside the Administration, and we're committed to being a partner in this work long after the games are over.” 

Abigail M. Judge, Ph.D., Founder, Boston Human Exploitation Advocacy Team (HEAT): 
“Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll administration for proactively investing in the safety of our most vulnerable community members ahead of the FIFA World Cup events in Boston. This grant empowers Boston HEAT to expand our outreach and support for trafficked women during a time when the risk of exploitation rises sharply. We are honored to carry out this work with the administration's trust and support.”   

Mary Speta, Executive Director, Amirah, Inc.: 
“We are so grateful for the Healey-Driscoll Administration's collaborative efforts to support vulnerable people during the FIFA World Cup and we are looking forward to partnering in service to those who are being trafficked. These efforts can be life saving for individuals being trafficked and we are glad and grateful to be selected for this grant to support the broader effort of ensuring safety for all in our community.” 

Sarah de Carvalho MBE, CEO, It's a Penalty: 
“The World Cup is one of the most powerful global moments to unite people behind a single purpose. By partnering with leading global brands and championing the voices of international athletes, our campaign will equip millions with the knowledge needed to recognize and help prevent exploitation. Together, we are building a world where major events leave a legacy of protection, not vulnerability.” 

Dr.  Stacy-Lynn Sant, Senior Director, Human Rights and Sustainability, Boston Host Committee for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ (Boston 26) 
"We are honored to join today's launch of the It's a Penalty anti-trafficking awareness campaign for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.The World Cup brings a global reach unlike anything this region has hosted before and meeting that moment is a shared responsibility. Boston 26 is proud to work alongside the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, It's a Penalty, and our government and community partners to deliver a tournament where every person feels safe, respected, and welcome." 

Audrey Morrissey, Co-Executive Director, My Life My Choice, A Program of Justice Resource Institute: 
“Trafficking is real in our communities across Massachusetts whether the World Cup is here or not. But during these games, marginalized people are at greater risk of sex and labor trafficking. As a survivor and a service provider, I have traveled across the country and I feel incredibly blessed to live in a state that supports survivors of trafficking in a smart, trauma informed way.” 

Tina Cardoso, Executive Director, Cape Verdean Women United: 
"At Cape Verdean Women United, we believe that prevention begins with education, trusted relationships, and empowering young people to recognize their worth and protect themselves and their peers. We are honored to partner with state and local leaders on this important effort to raise awareness about human trafficking ahead of World Cup 2026. As a small grassroots organization rooted in the community, we are humbled to have the opportunity to help amplify this message and ensure that youth and families know the signs, understand the risks, and know where to turn for help." 

Carolina Bazan, Senior Program Manager at Rights4Girls:
“The FIFA World Cup is a joyful global celebration that brings together fans from around the world through a shared love of sport. However, as millions of visitors travel here to Massachusetts to cheer on their teams, we must also recognize a troubling reality that also exists behind the celebrations: the commercial sex trade, which includes trafficking, pimping, and sex buying. Contrary to the common misconception that sex buying is a victimless act, survivors consistently describe the extreme violence enacted on them, coercion, and trauma they've experienced at the hands of sex buyers. It's time to shed a light on this hidden third party that likes to remain in the shadows, and we must confront the demand that drives this multi-billion-dollar industry and treats human beings as commodities for purchase. Through our ‘Sex Buying Isn’t a Game’ campaign, we hope our billboard helps raise awareness about the harms of sex buying, challenge its normalization, and encourage communities to stand with survivors by rejecting exploitation in all its forms.”  

Julia Kehoe, President and CEO of Health Imperatives: 
“We are grateful to the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security for this award and its commitment to increasing awareness, prevention, and response efforts related to human trafficking.” "These initial funds will enable us to provide medical care, counseling, and emergency shelter to women and girls being sexually exploited during and after the games. We look forward to partnering with the Healey-Driscoll Administration to address this pervasive issue and improve outcomes for survivors, ensuring they have greater access to resources necessary to be safe, healthy, and economically secure." 

Annie Marcklinger, Executive Director, Children's Advocacy Center of Suffolk County: 
“We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for recognizing the need for a trauma-informed response for children and youth impacted by trafficking and exploitation, particularly as Massachusetts prepares for the World Cup.   

Cynthia Kennedy and Jessica Loftus, Co-founders of the Adelante Project at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Brigham and Women's Hospital: 
“We are honored to receive this support from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, which will allow us to expand capacity to serve survivors of labor and sex trafficking, educate frontline healthcare professionals, and strengthen collaborative networks. This funding will help ensure individuals can access the resources they need to begin their healing.” 

Heather Wightman, Founder & Executive Director, RIA, Inc.  
“RIA, Inc. has worked alongside Healey-Driscoll Administration and particularly with Lieutenant Governor Driscoll as part of the Council to serve the citizens of the Commonwealth in both preventing and supporting adult survivors as they heal in the aftermath of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. We could not do this critical work without the trust and generosity of this Administration to elevate the voices and stories of survivors towards community healing and accountability towards prevention. Thank you and onward!” 

Carmen Nieves, Executive Director, Aliaza DV Services: 
“Alianza is pleased to be a recipient of funding from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to assist victims of human trafficking.  As a domestic violence intervention agency, we know that human trafficking and intimate partner violence share similar dynamics to establish and maintain power and control.  We are prepared to take part in the coordinated statewide effort to protect potential trafficking victims, by providing extended Hotline services and temporary shelter in June and July.” 

Mark DeJoie, CEO, Centerboard: 
“On behalf of Centerboard and our We Rise program, we are a proud recipient of the SFY26 FIFA World Cup Human Trafficking Supplemental Resources Grant Program through the Office of Grants and Research.  We would like to thank FIFA for its commitment to advancing human rights and community wellbeing. This support enables us to deepen our prevention and awareness efforts during this time by helping to protect vulnerable children and underage girls and build stronger, safer communities throughout our region.” 

Margaret Holland McDuff, CEO of Family Service of Rhode Island Lead Facilitator, RI World Cup Trafficking Coalition: 
“My colleagues and I are deeply grateful for the leadership of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety in planning and implementing this public awareness campaign, and for their partnership in fostering a coordinated, cross-state response system with Rhode Island.”   

Family and Community Resources, Inc: 
“Human trafficking thrives in silence. The critical funding from EOPSS will allow Family and Community Resources, Inc. to shine a light on this hidden crime while ensuring survivors have access to the critical support they need to reclaim their futures.” 

The O’Connell House: 
“The O’Connell House is honored to accept this OGR Grant Award to help support our mission of serving women who have been trafficked, along with their children. These funds will help us provide comprehensive services to help the victims become survivors as they heal from their trauma. We are very grateful for this award!” 

Stacy's Joy Incorporated: 
“Freedom is more than a goal; it is a human right. As the world celebrates FIFA World Cup 2026, let us stand against human trafficking, uplift survivor voices, and remain committed to Enhancing the Joy of Moving Forward through awareness, prevention, healing, and hope.”  

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