This year’s gathering united various stakeholders for a focused discussion on the gaps, challenges, and solutions related to sports trafficking. While sports are often celebrated as symbols of unity, aspiration, and human achievement, the industry also contains hidden networks of coercion and exploitation. Sports trafficking—encompassing the recruitment, movement, and exploitation of athletes as well as trafficking that occurs around major sporting events—remains a critical human rights issue requiring urgent international attention.

“This year’s Legislative Breakfast served as a significant platform to advance awareness of the broader issue of sports trafficking, underscoring exploitation occurring in and through sports—not solely during major events,” said Director of the Global Center on Human Trafficking.

Opening remarks from Dr. Jonathan Koppell, President of ����vlog, and Dr. Peterka-Benton emphasized the importance of identifying actionable strategies to safeguard athletes at every level of competition and to recognize the many individuals whose labor supports large sporting events.

The keynote address was delivered by Lerina Bright, Executive Director of Mission 89, a Geneva-based research, education, and advocacy organization dedicated to combating the exploitation of young athletes. Bright underscored the global dimensions of the issue and the need for international collaboration.

Keynote speaker Lerina Bright, Mission 89

As part of the annual program, the Global Center on Human Trafficking presented the Wellstone/Smith Awards, honoring one legislator, one survivor leader, and one organization for their contributions to the anti-trafficking field.

• New Jersey Senator Angela McKnight received the legislative award for her extensive leadership and accomplishments in anti-trafficking policy.
• Katrina Massey, member of the Board of Directors for Protect All Children from Trafficking (PACT), was honored with the survivor leader award.
• Dana Hoyes, U.S. Campaign Director for It’s a Penalty, accepted the organizational award on behalf of the international nonprofit known for its global public awareness campaigns during major sporting events.

The Wellstone/Smith Awardees from left: Dana Hoyes, Sen. Angela McKnight, Katrina Massey

A panel discussion further reinforced the urgency of addressing trafficking in the sports ecosystem. Panelists included Theresa Hilton (Office of the Attorney General), Lerina Bright (Mission 89), Courtney Desilet (Bluebird Resilience Consulting LLC), Dana Hoyes (It’s a Penalty), Alicia Tappan (Survivor-Led Solutions), and moderator Dr. Giselle Balfour of ����vlog. Their dialogue highlighted systemic vulnerabilities, emerging trends, and opportunities for reform in policy and practice.

“It was an eye-opening experience, and I learned a lot. It also reinforced my desire to work within the anti-trafficking sector,” said Cory Murphy, a ����vlog student, reflecting on the importance of student engagement in anti-trafficking efforts.

The Global Center on Human Trafficking continues its commitment to advancing research, policy, and collaborative action to combat trafficking across all sectors, including the increasingly complex landscape of global sports.

Stalls for Safety raises awareness about human trafficking and provides discreet, accessible information and resources to individuals who may be experiencing exploitation or who knows someone who is. Through thoughtfully placed signage in campus restrooms, this initiative ensures that critical support information is available in a private space where individuals can seek help confidentially.

Human trafficking often remains hidden in plain sight. By placing resource information in restrooms across campus, we are increasing visibility, reducing stigma, and strengthening our shared commitment to student safety and well-being.

Download Stalls of Safety poster here.

This initiative reflects meaningful campus collaboration. We extend our sincere appreciation to:
– CHSS Dean’s Office, Office of the Provost
– Office of Community Resilience and Officer Wellness
– Bloomfield Facilities
– Bloomfield College Academic Affair
– Residential Education
– Office of Residential Life
– Student Recreation Center
– Volunteer Service Center
– Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships

We also want to recognize the student leaders whose dedication and advocacy helped bring this initiative to life, including the NextGen, Bonners, GCHT Student Ambassadors, and all students who contributed their time, energy, and commitment to prevention and awareness efforts. This project reflects student-driven action in service of campus safety.

If there is a public restroom in your building or workspace that does not yet have a Stalls for Safety sign, please reach out so we can ensure resources are available campus-wide.

For signage requests or questions, please contact:
Ashlee Martellacci
martellaccia@montclair.edu

Together, we can continue building a campus culture where individuals feel supported, informed, and empowered to seek help when they need it.

Thank you for your partnership in making our university community safer for all.

The group heard from experts about human trafficking as a national and international crime (Francesca LaGuardia, Department of Justice Studies and Debra Jones, International Organization for Adolescents), they met with survivors of trafficking and connected with Jasmine Ostrow, Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office and Joseph Remy, National White-Collar Crime Center. Detective Sergeant Richard Hershey from the New Jersey State Police highlighted experiences and challenges with human trafficking cases. To illustrate the differences between the American and Austrian criminal justice system, the group also completed two field trips to the Essex Co. Criminal Court and Northern State Prison.

Group with judge Marysol Rosero, Criminal Trial Judge

International student travel, such as this annual program with the University of Graz is important because it fosters personal growth, global awareness, and career readiness—all while enriching academic learning through real-world experience.

Presenters:
Christabelle Robinson (she/they) is a Program Specialist for the Global Center on Human Trafficking, and a lived experience professional

Dr. Daniela Peterka-Benton (she/her) is the Director of the Global Center on Human Trafficking at ����vlog and a Professor in the Department of Justice Studies.

All are welcome!

The team found that Austria and the United States both use victim-centered approaches in anti-trafficking policy, but their legal and enforcement systems differ. Austria’s Criminal Code targets trafficking for multiple forms of exploitation and provides psychosocial and legal victim supports, backed by international conventions and National Action Plans for multi-agency cooperation. In the US, laws—like those in New Jersey—punish both sexual and labor trafficking with severe penalties, offer affirmative defenses and temporary visas, and require cross-sector partnerships and training. Both nations struggle with data collection due to reporting gaps and definitional inconsistencies. Austria’s protections are systematic in legal proceedings, while the US is more advanced in training and survivor participation.

Despite differences, both prioritize victim welfare, acknowledge survivors’ complex situations, and continually adapt policies through collaboration, aiming to address the complexities of human trafficking effectively.

The session was led by Rolidel Czekajlo and Kaitlyn Zedalis of Covenant House New Jersey’s Action and Research Tank Team, who introduced attendees to Quick Youth Indicators for Trafficking (QYIT), a validated, evidence-based screening tool designed to detect lifetime experiences of trafficking among youth.

The training brought together key campus partners who work firsthand with many high-risk student populations. Participants gained practical strategies for integrating trafficking screening into existing services and learned how to connect students with appropriate resources.

More information regarding QYIT can be found .

GCHT was honored for its impactful work in education, research, and community outreach around human trafficking. Its interdisciplinary approach and student-focused programs have strengthened campus engagement and elevated Montclair’s leadership in this critical area.

“We are a small, but incredibly dedicated team. This recognition reflects that we are making an impact on this campus and beyond,” said Dr. Daniela Peterka-Benton, Director of the Global Center on Human Trafficking.

Congratulations to all the awardees and honorable mentions.

As part of the resource fair, GCHT led a patch-making activity, giving participants a creative outlet to express support for survivors and raise awareness of the connection between sexual assault and human trafficking. Brenda Gorosito, a Human Trafficking Awareness Advocate, also spoke during the event, emphasizing the importance of survivor-centered approaches and community collaboration in the fight against exploitation and abuse. Denim Day continues to serve as a reminder that survivor voices must be heard and believed and that advocacy, education, and action are essential in ending all forms of sexual violence.