Resources During the FIFA World Cup
Seattle will welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors during the 2026 FIFA World Cup from June 15 to July 6. Large-scale events can increase visibility of commercial sexual exploitation and may intensify existing vulnerabilities for people who are already at risk.
The City of Seattle is sharing local resources to help people connect with support, understand where to turn, and know what they can do if they are concerned about exploitation or trafficking.
Help is available
If you or someone you know may be experiencing commercial sexual exploitation, confidential survivor-centered support is available. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline is an anti-trafficking hotline that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.
For local support services, see the local resource directory.
What is commercial sexual exploitation?
Commercial sexual exploitation or CSE is an umbrella term where someone is exploited through sexual activity. This includes sex trafficking, defined as using force, fraud, or coercion to make someone engage in a commercial sexual act. Sex trafficking also includes the commercial sexual exploitation of a minor.
The term human trafficking includes sex trafficking as well as using force, fraud, or coercion to compel someone to perform labor.
Who is affected?
Survivors of sex trafficking represent every race, ethnicity, and gender or background. Exploitation is often connected to broader systemic factors like poverty, housing instability, racism, and gender‑based violence and lack of access to safe support systems.
In Seattle, commercial sexual exploitation disproportionately impacts youth, Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ communities.
Possible signs of sex trafficking or commercial sexual exploitation
Commercial sexual exploitation can be difficult to identify. One sign alone may not mean someone is being exploited, but patterns of concern may indicate that someone needs help.
Possible signs may include:
- Visible signs of distress: not allowed to make eye contact, someone speaks for them, discomfort with companions, visible cuts and bruises, malnourished, scripted responses
- Appearing drugged, fearful, or exhausted but monitored and prevented from social interactions by a companion
- Odd group dynamics: (e.g., young people wearing clothes inappropriate for the weather and accompanied by an older individual)
If you suspect it, report it—you don’t need to be sure.
What should I do if I am concerned?
Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger.
If you are concerned someone may be experiencing exploitation or trafficking, do not try to intervene directly. Use trusted reporting and support pathways:
- Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1 (888) 373-7888 (text 233733)
- Reach out to one of the local support service providers.
- Report it anonymously at Simplyreport.com
If you are unsure what to do, it is okay to ask for guidance. Support is available.