DART Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition Unites in Dallas

With sex trafficking on the rise, 27 organizations have come together through Dallas Area Rapid Transit's (DART) Human Trafficking Transportation and Community Partners to help victims of youth homelessness and sex trafficking as well as educate the public.

Texas is the second largest hub for sex trafficking in the country. The city of Dallas is one of the top ten cities nationwide for sex trafficking.

“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 is 13,” Community Engagement Director New Friends New Life Bill Morse stated.

DART also partnered with Safe Place to take preventative steps towards getting youth off the streets and into shelter, away from the dangers of youth homelessness.

“Approximately 1.3 million homeless youth are living on the streets. One in seven teens will run away from home and within 48 hours begin engaging in survival sex, which can quickly lead to formal prostitution,” CEO of Jonathan's Place Allicia Graham Frye said.