During June and July, Seattle will welcome visitors from around the world for one of the largest sporting events our city has ever hosted. It will be a season filled with energy, celebration, and community pride.
It is also an important moment to make sure our community is prepared to recognize and respond to sexual exploitation and sex trafficking.
At REST, we know trafficking does not begin or end with major events. It happens every day in communities across the country, including here in Seattle and King County. Large events do not cause trafficking on their own, and experts caution against oversimplifying the connection between sporting events and trafficking. But events that bring increased travel, tourism, crowds, online activity, and demand for hospitality services can create conditions where exploitation may be harder to see. That is why awareness, preparation, and survivor-centered response matter.
What REST Is Doing to Prepare
As Seattle prepares for this major soccer season, REST is strengthening our response so survivors and community members know where to turn.
We are preparing by:
Increasing outreach and hotline coverage
REST’s 24/7 hotline is often one of the first points of connection for survivors, service providers, and community members seeking support. As Seattle welcomes more visitors and public events, we are working to ensure our team is prepared to respond with care, clarity, and survivor-centered support.
Looking for volunteers
Volunteers are an important part of REST’s work. As we prepare for increased community awareness and engagement, we are looking for people who can help support outreach, events, resource sharing, and other practical needs.
Developing a resource page on our website
We are creating a webpage with information about large events and sex trafficking, including possible signs of exploitation, what to do if someone is concerned, and how to connect with REST’s hotline and other resources.
Planning to be present in the community
REST is exploring opportunities to be out in the community at local watch parties and related gatherings, sharing resources and helping people understand how to recognize and respond to exploitation.
Launching a mini fundraising campaign
We are also planning a small fundraising campaign connected to this moment. Gifts will help support REST’s outreach, hotline, advocacy, shelter, housing assistance, and mental health services so more survivors can access freedom, safety, and hope.
Why Awareness Matters
Sex trafficking occurs when someone is forced, defrauded, or coerced into commercial sex. When a person under 18 is involved in commercial sex, it is trafficking regardless of whether force, fraud, or coercion is present.
Possible signs of trafficking may include someone appearing fearful or controlled, not having access to their own identification or money, being closely monitored by another person, seeming unsure of where they are, or appearing unable to speak freely. No single sign proves trafficking is happening, but knowing what to look for can help community members respond safely and appropriately.
If you are concerned that someone may be experiencing trafficking, do not attempt to intervene directly or confront a suspected trafficker. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For local support, referrals, or to connect with REST, call or text REST’s 24/7 hotline at 206-451-REST (7378). You can also contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline 24/7 at 1-888-373-7888 or by texting 233733.
Learn More Through H.O.P.E. Training
One of the best ways to prepare is to learn.
REST’s H.O.P.E. training, which stands for Human Trafficking Outreach, Prevention, and Education, equips service providers and community members with a deeper understanding of sex trafficking, exploitation, and how to respond in a trauma-informed way.
Upcoming H.O.P.E. Training opportunities include:
May 28 @ 12:00-1:00 p.m. and 6:00-7:00 p.m.
June 25 @ 12:00-1:00 p.m. and 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Whether you are a volunteer, donor, business owner, faith community member, student, or neighbor, this training is a meaningful way to become more informed and better prepared.
How You Can Help
As Seattle prepares for a major global sports moment, REST is preparing to meet this moment with awareness, compassion, and action.
You can help by:
Volunteering with REST
Taking H.O.P.E. Training
Sharing survivor-centered resources
Donating to support outreach, hotline coverage, shelter, advocacy, and care
Inviting your workplace, church, or community group to learn more
Large events can bring the world to our city. Together, we can make sure survivors know there is a safe place to turn.
Need help or want to make a referral?
Call or text REST’s 24/7 hotline: 206-451-REST (7378)
Want to support this work?
Donate here
Interested in volunteering?
Contact volunteer@iwantrest.org