The Super Bowl and Human Trafficking

The Super Bowl and Human Trafficking

It's Super Bowl day once again and there is excitement in the air.  People are planning their parties and deciding which team they will be rooting for.   But what you may not know is how the Super Bowl can have an affect human trafficking. 

Large sporting events like the Super Bowl draw people from all over.  Most of these people have significant amounts of money they are willing to spend.  Traffickers follow money, which makes these events prime targets for sex trafficking.   I posted this last year, but it's worth repeating.  Here's a look at the Super Bowl from two very different perspectives. 

 

Super Bowl Player               vs.                    Trafficking victim

Excited                                                        Scared

Cheers from fans                                         Threats from her controller

Sense of pride                                             Sense of shame

Proud to put on his uniform                        Disgusted to put on her “uniform”

Keeps what he earns                                   Earnings taken by her pimp

Admired                                                      Disgraced

Relives the glory                                         Relives the horror

I realize that there is some debate about whether there really is an increase in demand and an increase in trafficking. Critics will ask the question, “How do you know?”  Sex trafficking doesn’t come with many statistics because it is a hidden crime.  Just because they are not being caught, doesn't mean that it doesn’t exist.  Girls that are being controlled by a pimp often don’t seek help because they’ve been threatened by the pimp and convinced that they will be arrested for prostitution. So while debate swirls, I believe that if the heightened awareness deters even one trafficker or saves just one girl then the efforts are worth it.

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott called the Super Bowl “the single largest human trafficking incident in the United States.”

Just this week, Police busted a High-end prostitution and drug ring allegedly banking on Super Bowl week to deliver "party packs" of cocaine and prostitutes.  18 operators have been charged with drug and sex trafficking.

Here  a former sex trafficking victim shines light on dark underworld of Super Bowl

So as you prepare to watch the big game, remember those who have a much different perspective. Those who may be there by force and are having to sell their bodies. Pray for them. Pray for their rescue and restoration.

 

Each year, the Protected Innocence Challenge does a comprehensive study of existing state laws designed to inspire and equip advocates. Every every state receives a Report Card that grades the state on 41 key legislative components that must be addressed in a state’s laws in order to effectively respond to the crime of domestic minor sex trafficking. Washington received an A while Colorado received a D.  To see how your state did go Here