HOUSTON \u2013 NRG Stadium \u2014 best known for football games and concerts \u2014 on Wednesday became the first sports and entertainment venue designated a \u201cNo Trafficking Zone\u201d after a Houston woman who says she was trafficked there returned to share her experience and help launch the safety initiative.<\/p>\n
Courtney Litvak, now a survivor advocate with the nonprofit No Trafficking Zone, told attendees that sex trafficking does not always look like a violent abduction. She described being groomed in high school and later being moved among trafficking networks that brought her to cities across the country, including Houston.<\/p>\n
\u201cMore common than not, it\u2019s not a physical kidnapping\u2026 it\u2019s a kidnapping of your mind,\u201d Litvak said, adding that traffickers often present themselves as protectors before building control around a victim\u2019s vulnerabilities.<\/p>\n
Officials said the stadium will display signage, offer resources for people who need help and encourage staff and patrons to report suspicious activity. <\/p>\n
Jacquelyn Alutto, chief executive officer of No Trafficking Zone, said the organization works with law enforcement through an undercover human trafficking response team that pairs detectives with survivors.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a human trafficking response team with the Sheriff\u2019s Office where we work undercover with detectives and survivors,\u201d Alutto said.<\/p>\n
Litvak acknowledged that returning to NRG Stadium was difficult but said speaking there is important to show what trafficking can look like and to educate the public. <\/p>\n
Stadium and nonprofit leaders urged Houston residents and visitors to be alert to signs of exploitation and to use available resources.<\/p>\n
State law now makes child sex trafficking a felony punishable by 25 to 99 years in prison, officials noted, and organizers said the new designation sends a clear message: no trafficking here \u2014 or anywhere.<\/p>\n
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