DART anti-human trafficking coalition unites in Dallas

DART anti-human trafficking coalition unites in Dallas

Texas is the second largest hub for sex trafficking in the country. The City of Dallas is one of the top ten cities nationwide with the most sex trafficking. This week is National Safe Place Week to raise awareness that there are resources available for victims.

DART has partnered with over 27 organization to form the Human Trafficking Transportation and Community Partners groups. The group advocates helping victims of youth homelessness and sex trafficking seek safety and find resources as well as educate the public.

“The illegal sex trade is a $99 million crime in Dallas. There are 400 teen girls on Dallas streets nightly; average age they enter the sex trade 13,” Community Engagement Director New Friends New Life Bill Morse states.

Within 48 hours of leaving home teens can be approached by sex traffickers. Over half of trafficked victims were initially youth runaways, Dallas is home to nearly 3,400 homeless youth. Watch a panel discussion with partners here: https://www.facebook.com/DallasCityHall/videos/10155217986514656

To learn more about trafficking visit: https://polarisproject.org. Citizens can report human or sex trafficking to hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP to 233733 (BEFREE).

Human Trafficking Transportation and Community Partners are: STAR Transit, City Year, Jonathan’s Place, Safe Place, DART, Mosaic Family Services, New Friends New Life, Dallas Police Department, Amtrak, Dallas Women’s Foundation, Children at Risk, Coach USA, Irving Holdings, City of El Paso, MV Transit, Resurrect Life, South West Transit Association, CapMetro, Traffick911, Greyhound, Denton County Transportation Authority, The T, Quick Trip, Fort Worth Transportation Authority, Ride Metro.

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