Date of Award

6-9-2025

Degree Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ)

Department

Criminology and Criminal Justice

First Advisor

Dr. Mark Foxall

Abstract

Human trafficking is a pervasive and persistent global problem, affecting almost every nation. The United Nations developed a standard known as the Palermo Protocol that provides a comprehensive definition and international strategy for criminalizing and punishing trafficking offenders. This protocol defines human trafficking in terms of its act, means, and purpose. Human trafficking can take on many contexts, such as sex, labor, or servitude, but is uniformly concerned with exploiting individuals, usually from vulnerable populations, for personal profit. The unique characteristics of international sporting events, including increased demand for services, time-sensitive labor needs, and reduced oversight, create conditions for human trafficking to thrive. Established anti-trafficking strategies involve a policy-driven approach implemented through government programs or NGO services. Focus on these approaches leaves a gap that this proposal addresses with the Community Hubs Against Trafficking (C.H.A.T.) model. This four-pronged intervention adopts a grassroots perspective and trauma-informed approach, and incorporates awareness initiatives, resource distribution, training and certification, and victim crisis support to create a practical, on-the-ground, non-threatening support network. The main aim of this project is to raise public awareness about human trafficking and provide resources and support to trafficking victims in a safe manner. The C.H.A.T. model has been designed with implementation in mind for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but it also has the flexibility to extend beyond this event and its geography, facilitating a robust anti-trafficking network at the community level across Seattle and, potentially, Washington State. However, given the complexity of human trafficking and during mega-sports events, the C.H.A.T. model will be most effective when implemented in partnership with other stakeholders who are similarly invested in fighting this crime.

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