Bryon Rossi of Epik Project works to disrupt the demand for commercial sexual exploitation. Lisa Chaloux is a trafficking survivor who designed signs for Jacksonville's anti-trafficking campaign. | Michelle Corum, Jacksonville Today
Published on April 17, 2025 at 3:29 pm
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Jacksonville leaders launched a campaign Thursday to combat human trafficking, beginning with the city’s Sports and Entertainment District.
City leaders say statistics show human trafficking rises during major sports events, so they designated the Sports and Entertainment District a “no-trafficking” zone.
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City officials held a news conference to say they hope to combat trafficking by reducing demand and providing for victims.
Trafficking survivor Lisa Chaloux helped design signs that display a QR code sending exploited people to thethrivespace.org.
“They can create a safe exit plan, all within a safe site. So this Thrive space was built for survivors, by survivors,” Chaloux said.
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Epik Project designed the poster that targets buyers, in the demand side of Human Trafficking, and Epik’s website dontbuysex.com, is found using the QR code of the buyer poster.
All the major sports teams in Jacksonville have signed onto the anti-trafficking initiative. The effort also is partnering with nonprofits like the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center and Rethreaded, a group that helps women affected by trafficking.
