The Super Bowl: A Sex Trafficker’s Playground

In just a few short days hundreds of thousands of visitors will flood to the University of Phoenix Stadium for Super Bowl XLIX. Many visitors will be coming to show their pride and cheer on their favorite team, but tragically, thousands more will be coming for something entirely different. What most people don’t know is that the single biggest game of the year has also been called the single largest human trafficking event on the planet.

Just beyond the stadium lights, hidden within the shadows will be thousands of women, children and even men, caught in the inhumane web of sex trafficking. For them this day will bring something much different than football, loud cheers, hot dog stands and painted beer bellies. For them it will bring pain, abuse, rape and even fear of death. The exact numbers of trafficking cases in a given year or place are unknown because so much goes unreported but according The Florida Commission Against Human Trafficking an estimated 10,000 women and girls were trafficked to Miami for sex before the Super Bowl in 2010, and similar numbers if not more can be expected for the Phoenix game.

It is a traffickers playground. The influx of large crowds, anonymity, drunken binges, and lowered inhibitions foster a breeding ground for pimps and traffickers alike looking to boost their profits. Traffickers are able to make more money in one day from their victims than any other single day of the year. According to the Huff Post “One such trafficker, Manuel A. Walcott, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for offering a 14-year-old girl as a ‘Super Bowl Special’ during the 2009 game in Tampa. When undercover investigators inquired about ‘the special’, they were quoted a price of $300 for two girls — a 14-year-old and an 18-year-old who had been a prostitute for two years.” This is the trend. Young women, children and even men are shuttled from city to city, venue to venue, sold to have sex with sports fans and conventioneers who are traveling without their families. Human Trafficking is one of the fastest growing criminal industries in the world, raking in an estimated $9.5 billion a year in the U.S. alone, and $32 billion worldwide. The only reason this business continues to boom is because there is such a huge demand for it and as long as there is a demand the supply will continue.

It is potentially our nations dirtiest secret. The sad part about it is that for the victims it doesn’t stop the day after the big game. Yes profits are increased and the epidemic is heightened during this time but for these girls it is a 365 day a year reality. They don’t have the convenience of waving goodbye and heading back to the comfort and safety of their homes once it is all over. People like Jane Wells, a filmmaker who recently released Tricked, a documentary about human trafficking, are advocating for law enforcement to focus on the crime all the time, not just around sporting events.

So I don’t write this just to call your attention to the hideous underbelly of the Super Bowl. I don’t write this just to offer up facts and information so you can learn something new today and then go on your way. I write this to call us all to be aware, to not be naive. To not be blind to the junk that is happening right under our noses. The truth is this is not just happening on Super Bowl Sunday in Phoenix. This is not just happening in the brothels of Amsterdam, Cambodia and Thailand. This is not just happening on the streets of inner city Los Angeles or Dallas. This is happening all around us, in our cities, in our neighborhoods, just steps from our front door. These are our children; sons, daughters, brothers and sisters. The average age of a girl who is sold into trafficking is 12 years old, some as young as 9 years old. These are real people. Not just numbers.

And we can all play a part in combatting it. Whether it be through prayer, through getting involved with an anti-trafficking organization or simply through being aware and paying attention to our surroundings as we go on our day to day. We can combat it through not contributing in our own lives to the things that fuel the industry, such as internet pornography, pornographic magazines and films that promote entertainment at the expense of human lives. We can combat it through playing our part and not tolerating the injustice all around us. A hotline is available for victims and people who suspect a person is being trafficked, through the National Human Trafficking Resource Center: 1-888-373-7888. Please put this number in your phone. Save it. Be ready. Be aware. And pray for those who are being trafficked this SuperBowl Sunday and the days, weeks, months and years to follow.

Mandy is a holistic health coach, educator, wife, mama, & outdoor enthusiast - passionate about holistic health and an approach to wellness that views food, clean living, spiritual health, relational health, and movement as medicine. You can find her in her free time paddle boarding Lake Tahoe or hiking a trail with her husband and son.

339 Comments

  3. Reblogged this on ; and commented:
    This is a serious, inhumane issue that the entire world seems to overlook or be uneducated about. It’s time to open your eyes, people! What if that were your sons or daughters, being abducted and forced to have sex with strangers for money? Spread the word, don’t allow this cruelty to keep happening! #prayers #STOPhumantrafficking

    Reply

  4. Soo sad!! 🙁 I agree that pornography is related to this issue, as it grows so will this issue. Kind of scared to leave the house alone..

    Reply

  6. I read an article about this during a previous Super Bowl and it still shocks and saddens me. The article also had recommendations for people who wanted to take a more proactive part in combating human traffickers, including recognizing potential traffickers and victims on plane rides. I think if we pay attention to advice like that and be ever aware of what is happening around us, we can minimize trafficking significantly. Thank you for this timely reminder.

    Reply
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  9. My heart is breaking, I had no idea. I’m praying for all victims. And I’m praying for this whole world that could find itself in a place so dark that this continues. The fact that there is demand for this is sickening. Thank you for making us aware.

    Reply

  20. One can only hope that the cold weather will dampen the ardor of the preditors, and keep them from visiting the city. But as you mention, it happens everywhere…everyday

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  22. I am a huge fan of football, but I had no idea traffickers took advantage of the event(SB). Reading your blog, I’m definitely grieved over this issue, but I’m also angry about it. Society standards are at an all time low and its continuously dropping. .. Thank you for sharing and for all the comments. It’s quite the eye opener for me.

    Reply

  24. Well said indeed. How depraved and debased society has become. So bad that we now resort to minors. I personally think regulation should be stricter. I propose a life jail term for anybody caught in this act. We must also turn to the internet where minors now feature in pornographic movies. There’s just so much madness. May God help us..

    Reply

  31. I heard a discussion about this on the news today and people discussed how to spot a trafficker and a trafficked girl walking through a crowd. The trafficker tries to make them look like a family, holding the girls hand too tightly but never making eye contact with her. Or he might walk behind her as if he doesn’t know her and be talking to her (giving instructions) at the same time, or cutting in front of her suddenly. Useful info. Thanks so much for this.
    Brock Haussamen

    Reply

  32. This jut absolutely saddens and sickens me. Our world NEEDS God. Sadly as new generations are born and grow the younger our children willingly participate or are forced to participate in these immoral activities. Jesus is the only answer to this madness. May God truly bless America and not destroy us for how far we have strayed from Him.

    Reply

  36. I have always been “interested” in this topic since I saw the movie “Taken” a few years ago. Seems so unreal but just this past week there was 2 human trafficking cases in my area. So unbelievable. Thank you for posting this.

    Reply

  37. Thanks for sharing, I especially agree with you that for the victims, it doesn’t stop the day after the game. The scars will leave a big mark but God is able to heal anything so let’s keep praying and making a stand.

    Reply

  40. definitely will be praying for those victims who have been lost in the shadows through human greed that God may rescue them. To those who engage in such activity may they be found out and prosecuted to the fullest extent. Blessing to you for writing about such tragic reality that hits home and how we can make a difference.

    Reply

    1. Thanks for sharing @lilyflowercake. I just checked out your site and it looks like you guys have a similar vision and passion as I do for trafficking and women’s issues. I will definitely email the editor. Thanks

      Reply

      1. I’m glad you liked it Mandy. Did you hear how many people were arrested for trafficking during the superbowl. I huge victory i’d say. looking forward to working with you!

        Reply

  43. Reblogged this on Liv it up. and commented:
    This just makes my heart hurt. Trafficking is so disgusting and inhumane. Those who sell these people should be given the same treatment behind bars. Such a good and informational post! I just imagine Liam Neeson coming and kicking all their asses.

    Reply

      1. Me too. My family always jokes that if that ever happened to my sister or I my dad would go Liam Neeson on their ass. It’s not a joke either. He’d rip their limbs off haha!

        Reply

  45. Thanks for writing this! It is depressing to think how vigilant we have to be to protect each other. It’s hard to believe this crime is so prevalent in the U.S. Reality sucks….

    Reply

  49. Reblogged this on warriorbride4christ and commented:
    This is the reality regarding the “Super Bowl”. The football game is nothing but a distraction, and the half time show is nothing but a huge satanic ritual. What is stated in this post is what REALLY goes on, and of course not only at the “Super Bowl”, but WORLDWIDE. Remember that reality when you’re watching 2 teams knock each other senseless and try to be more superior than each other just so you can be “entertained”.

    Reply

    1. @loomingtsunami, thanks. Please let me know if there are any facts and stats that I shared that are inaccurate. Everything I shared in this article is from reputable sources. I try my best to ensure all the numbers and facts I share are fully accurate. Please let me know if you found any discrepancy.

      Reply

  53. What a great post! I’m so glad it got Freshly Pressed, not only to bring light to this horrible trade, but also because it was so well written. I am donating 10% of my latest book to an organization called Death to Chains, which fights human trafficking. I know if everyone will do something, no matter how small, we could all but wipe out modern slavery.

    Reply

  58. Thank you for posting about this. There has been more focus on this issue in recent years in the media. Now it’s our turn to make an effort and observe what’s going on around us and refuse to participate in the things that, as you said, “fuel this industry”.

    Reply

  68. A pray never solved anything, and will do even less for these victims… let’s be realistic. Let’s start pointing out the traffickers and the users in our cities, instead.

    Reply

    1. @logatfer, I respectfully disagree. I’ve seen prayer change things first hand. We all can’t do everything but we all can do something and if that something is prayer then I’m thankful for those people who are praying. I agree with your last point though. I think more people need to be about getting their hands dirty. “Faith without works is dead”

      Reply

  72. Oh geez, that’s just so wrong on so many levels. For this to happen, during an even that’s supposed to bring crowds to cheer for something together. Wrong..so very wrong 🙁

    Reply

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  77. Such an important message. We are notorious for being blind and arrogant in the country. With so much stimuli around us all the time, it’s so easy to mask over the dark spots and tune out the uncomfortable . We have let technology and media think for us to a great extent.
    Thank you for reminding us to reclaim our critical thinking skills. After all, it is what set us apart in the beginning.

    Reply

  84. Reblogged this on dolphins and strippers and commented:
    This is the first time I have reblogged another person’s blog. I think it is an extremely important issue and needs to be addressed more publicly. I pray that God will shine a light on the traffickers and people that take part in abuse. Thank you for writing this.

    Reply

  89. Slavers and those who make use of their services are undeniably abhorrent. However, I feel there’s something else that should be raised here.

    Not that I question anyone’s beliefs, but should we really advocate praying to a supernatural being to fix all of our problems? Worse still are those who believe there’s a divine reason that all this is happening, because said supernatural being allows it. Ultimately, it’s good for little more than pacification.

    inb4 “some people need to believe there’s a reason or they won’t be able to get out of bed in the morning” … etc: Bad things are happening. Life is serious. The world, for all its beauty, is also full of darkness. Here’s a novel idea: Put some effort into doing something about it.

    Reply

    1. God does not control people we have free will, and if all people lived by his laws like we are supposed to, things would not be the way they are now but we do not so there are terrible things that happen every second

      Reply

    2. @thenewphalls. Thanks for sharing. I’m not suggesting here that we all just pray to God so he can fix all of our problems. That’s not the God I serve and that’s not scriptural. I am however advocating prayer to God because He is God, He is relational and He hears our prayers. I’ve seen prayer change things first hand. And I believe He cares and is grieved by it even more than I am. I’m not suggesting we end at prayer. That is merely a foundation and a beginning. “Faith without works is dead.” I’m suggesting having knowledge and being proactive, doing the things I suggested above and getting our hands dirty. You’re right, the world is full of darkness so let’s jump in the arena, fight and not hide on the sidelines waiting for somebody else to do it.

      Reply

  90. Thanks for sharing this! More people need to be aware that this happens in large numbers in America. I’d just like to add for your readers the link to Polaris Project: polarisproject.org. It’s a non-profit organization fighting sex trafficking. I’ll be reblogging.

    Reply
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  102. It is so sad to think that while millions are watching with their families, some families will be missing their daughters, sisters, or wives. Keep up your work at informing us of the reality.

    Reply

  114. You hit it on the head ‘… as long as there is demand there will be trafficking’ – so solving the root cause is important. And what do you think is going to happen at Soci Olympic Games???

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  115. This is horrible wicked satanic sex crimes satan want to kill steal and destroy human beings and he will do anything to do it and use any sick human being to create a huge sex prostitution ring these poor people are
    Held captive by these satanic sick greedy people that are living selfishly for the love of money at the cost of human lives so they can have pleasure at the cost of other people
    ;-( so sickening
    Like the movie Taken horrible reality of what happens everyday and how people don’t even give a crap nor have any regret doing so there’s no shame in our society these people of smutt need to have a mill stone wrapped around their feet and cast into the waters of Australia where the great whites swim and let nature take care of the rest 😉

    Reply

  117. I walked through Superbowl boulevard today in Manhattan, and while I knew that this was an issue, I had no idea it was this bad. I learned about this issue at my Church years ago, and I hope someday it will be stopped. Thank you for this eye opening article.

    Reply

  122. I had no clue that this was happening. Thank you for writing and sharing this. It saddens me to know that human nature has stooped to this low levels. Sigh.

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  124. Thanks for writing and informing others so well. This is very true and like you mentioned it is pretty much a booming business sadly. And if we all just committed to paying a little more attention to our surroundings and neighborhood we could help stop or prevent it

    Reply

  127. Reblogged this on Alicia and the Beast do life. and commented:
    Not the typical topic for my blog but this is such an important issue we need everyone to be aware. Many people have no idea that human trafficking is very real and very present here in the US. Efforts need to be done to protect all victims, especially minors who are being targeted.

    Reply

  132. Thanks for posting. My faith in human nature is eroded a little more every time. We are supposedly evolving, not the opposite! What organisations are in the UK for reporting suspected cases?

    Reply

  133. It’s alarming to consider that such a horrific, criminal business is patronized by so many Super Bowl “fans.” What a shame. Thank you for making so many aware.

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  134. My father, unfortunately, has been a child predator all of his life. Yes, that includes me. And it has been tough overcoming. One thing that helps me is helping other women by volunteering with prison ministry, sharing my story with both men and women. Being able to to assign a purpose to the pain is very healing. Having said that I do NOT fully compare the the pain of my own childhood with the horror these trafficked children face as what they endure is inconceivable. It is beyond my comprehension that anyone can find pleasure in this . . . but it is not beyond my ability to believe it because I know all too well it is true, and it is happening all around us.

    Reply

    1. You experiences are difference but the pain no less valid. I am glad you are finding a positive way of dealing with it. How awful it must have been to be betrayed by your own parent! Good luck.

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    2. Wow. I’m so sorry to hear that @mendingbrokenwings. Thanks for being willing to be vulnerable and share your story. I’m glad to hear that God is bringing healing and using you in powerful ways to bring hope and healing to others as well. And I agree with @silverbells2012, “your experience is different but that doesn’t make your pain less valid.” I’ll pray for you right now that God will continue to mend your wounds and use your testimony to impact lives. God Bless.

      Reply

  139. Thanks for bringing attention to this “invisible” side of mega events, I don’t think there’s any words to describe the awfulness of it. I think it’s really difficult to recognize sometimes what is taking place behind the scenes, if you are just there cheering on your favorite team yourself! I hope to see more action taken also from legal point of view — at the moment it seems like the traffickers are free to play however they like!

    Reply

    1. Agreed @mikkis. There aren’t words to describe how awful it is. However thanks to organization like The International Justice Mission there is increasingly more and more action being taken at a legal and governmental level. 🙂

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  141. Reblogged this on Rick Clinard and commented:
    Please take the time to read this sobering post on the reality of human-trafficking and it’s connection with pornography. May we have the courage to speak out, stand up and get active in ridding our culture of such heinous acts.

    Reply

  143. Thank you so much for sharing this. I despite human trafficking. I think it’s not only crime, but it should be classified as crime against human kind. It is the worst punishment a man can have, not by destroying his body but destroying his mind, his memory and fill them with terror and despair. Such things can never be undo!!! Say NO to Street Sex!!

    Reply

  144. I had absolutely no Idea that the two were intertwined. I’m from the UK and we have a major trafficking problem here, but nobody has pointed out a correlation between the trafficking and any major sporting events.
    Bringing awareness, might just save a life.

    Reply

  147. Perhaps our nation’s dirtiest secret indeed…. I like that you have the courage to bring this to light, for the many people who have no idea, and a reminder for the people who know; that these alleyways, parking garages, even our parks and places we frequent everyday are crawling with contributors to this inhumane crime. There are ways to help PLEASE PLEASE store this number in your phones everyone and more importantly- listen to your instincts- it is your business what goes on in your backyard.

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  149. I volunteer with The Art2Healing Project who provide healing and therapy to victims of trafficking. Everyone can do something to help. Thank you for writing this and raising awareness around this issue.

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  150. Sadly trafficking is a huge problem
    Worldwide especially in developed countries. The fact is that more people are in slavery today than ever before and tragically it is often sexual. Stop the traffik are a really good charity trying to stop this.

    Reply

  158. Thank you for sharing this, honestly, I consider myself decently well informed re: the topic but I have never heard about prostitution and sex trafficking influx during and after the super bowl season. I saw a link on my social networking site and was appalled. Thank you again for this very informative post. I just hope with the extra media attention an increase in awareness can continue.

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  159. Reblogged this on The Working Nurse and commented:
    This is a very informative blog post especially with today being Superbowl Sunday. This is about a secret that I never was even associated to the Super Bowl (by associated I mean why this is such an issue around this time.

    Reply

  160. Thank you for providing the information that so few people even know exists in the United States. A lot of people think that this is something that just happens “Elsewhere” or in third world countries. If someone has heard the expression “Sex Sells” and understands that concept they know that this is more than possible in our own neighborhoods.

    Reply

  162. We must stand up and be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. People must come to understand that when they turn their eyes away from wrong doing they enable it. Sometimes it can be scary to stand up for another – but nowhere near as scary as it is to be that ”other” …

    Reply

  163. Reblogged this on immerseindifferences and commented:
    I believe that everyone should read this article and be aware of what is currently going on in this world. No one should be forced to commit any kind of sexual act that they did not consent to. I could not imagine having to endure this kind of torture. My prayers go out to those currently suffering in this.

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  164. I wish I had seen this earlier and reblogged it. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. This probably happens in Holland too where i am from. I have reblogged it.

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    1. @heartofawiccanpriestess, here are some possible indicators that someone might be a victim.
      This is from the U.S. Department of State. I included a link to their site if you want more info:
      http://www.state.gov/j/tip/id/
      • Living with employer
      • Poor living conditions
      • Multiple people in cramped space
      • Inability to speak to individual alone
      • Answers appear to be scripted and rehearsed
      • Employer is holding identity documents
      • Signs of physical abuse
      • Submissive or fearful
      • Unpaid or paid very little
      • Under 18 and in prostitution
      If you are able to communicate with the suspected victim without jeopardizing their safety ask these questions:
      • Can you leave your job if you want to?
      • Can you come and go as you please?
      • Have you been hurt or threatened if you tried to leave?
      • Has your family been threatened?
      • Do you live with your employer?
      • Where do you sleep and eat?
      • Are you in debt to your employer?
      • Do you have your passport/identification? Who has it?

      Reply
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    1. @tn5421, yes there is proof. Because the majority of trafficking happens “under the radar” it is impossible to know exact statistics and numbers but at the governmental level there is an acknowledgement of the increase of Human Trafficking around large sporting events. Just today the FBI revealed that they freed 16 juveniles and 54 women who had allegedly been trafficked during the Super Bowl festivities in and around New Jersey. They arrested more than 45 alleged pimps and their helpers. Here is a link to the news story on USA Today.http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/02/04/super-bowl-prostitution/5207399/. In my article I also shared the story of the bust at the 2009 Tampa game. Those are just a couple of many. Whether the actual numbers are more or less than we predict, they exist and that is where the crisis is.

      Reply
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  181. Reblogged this on Mommy of Four on a Mission and commented:
    This is serious! Praying for all the victims of this horrible crime. It is so sad that there are so many victims and the industry goes up to 35 billion world wide is very scary… This issue is inhumane and the entire world does seem to ignore or overlook this issue. Please be aware and think about if it was your son or daughter in this situation.. You can help by raising the awareness. My company sponsors an organization called Selah Freedom. I sat at conference and listened to the president of that organization and her story and it is so very sad! I cried for what seemed like hours after hearing what these poor people go through. Praying for the victims everywhere.

    Reply

    1. Thanks @Maxwell. I’m glad to hear you want to be proactive. Pray. Staying informed is huge. You can find out if there are any anti-trafficking organizations in your area that you can volunteer with. Do some research and know how to identify trafficking victims. Here is a link that offers some guidance. http://www.state.gov/j/tip/id/ for that.

      Reply

  191. This is so sad! I have never been a fan of the Superbowl and never participated, but it makes me sick to think about what goes on and what happens to those poor victims. Prayers going out to all of them.

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  193. It seems so many in the US view sex trafficking as an international issue. They don’t seem to see how huge the problem is here at home. Thank you for helping raise awareness of these atrocities.

    Reply
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  197. Reblogged this on kikialaine and commented:
    Wow, I never even knew something like this was going on. This post has really opened my eyes to the dangers that are not always publicized. I am not big on the whole read and share thing. But I think it would be a good idea to read and reblog.

    Reply
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  202. Thank you for not saying we should all just boycott the Super Bowl…it is so much deeper than that, as you have written. I appreciate your call to action too…awareness is good but is just the first step. Great post.

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  204. It’s sad really. Sports are a fine past time, but they seem to cost so many people so much. The trafficking, the rapes that are covered up to protect the star player. When you look at it in victims instead of points, the whole thing seems pointless.

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  207. Reblogged this on Culture Counsel and commented:
    That was a good point the author ended with. Don’t just read this and think, “hey, that’s an interesting piece” and simply put it aside. Look out around you. Even pray from the comforts of your home. These are indeed our children.

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  208. I have never been a sports fan, probably because I have often seen the madness which ensues before, during and after the game here in England. But the existence of trafficking was not something I had factored in. Horrifying.

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  211. Reblogged this on juliebolen70 and commented:
    If you are like me, until a few years ago I had no idea that something like human trafficking was going on in today’s world, especially hear in our country! But thanks to a few friends of mine who are very active in putting an end to this atrocity image learned that it’s not only happening, but it’s a thriving business. Those dedicated to ending this are heros in my book. The key to ending human trafficking – for one, is to make sure people KNOW there is a problem!
    I’m sorry I found this post after the Super Bowl… But better late than never. This is an amazing post!
    If you are looking for a way to get involved hear in the Cape Girardeau area check out the Crisis Aid Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/icaheartland

    Reply

  213. I heard about human trafficing when I was in college; a classmate of mine was going for criminal justice. I had know idea things went on like this at events that are supposed to be so family fun but then that’s a regular thing among others. What a world…

    Reply

  214. I know this has been going on for years but it seems like the newest evil on the block in terms of public perception., The worst part is that this not random abuse but organized crime and all that goes with it. Fighting this is like the war on drugs; there’s more tentacles to this monster then there are crusaders to fight it. I was appalled to hear that one of the centers of trafficking is my home: Queens, NY.
    Politicians will only do what they are forced to do. We need to commit an army of people to fighting this to make legislators see this as an issue that could cost them an election.

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  218. Reblogged this on Story – of – a – Girl and commented:
    this just saddens me. it makes me disappointed with the people on this earth. one would never even think that sex trafficking could happen in the United States!! it is so crazy to think that not only does this happen all over the world, but it also happens right here in our neighborhoods in the states. I just want to reach out to all those young boys and girls and save them. i want to let them know that there is a God out there that loves them.

    Reply

  219. Reblogged this on Blogizing and commented:
    Working in a Children Sexual Exploitation Project this issue is definately close to my heart. It needs to be known that this goes on EVERYWHERE. Raising awareness is key to tackling CSE/trafficking.

    Reply

  220. Working in a Children Sexual Exploitation Project this issue is definately close to my heart. It needs to be known that this goes on EVERYWHERE. Raising awareness is key to tackling CSE/trafficking.

    Reply

  225. Reblogged this on Calamity's Closet and commented:
    Great insight on the epidemic of Human Trafficking. The heartbeat behind this article is moving and refreshing. I definitely encourage readers to sacrifice a few minutes of their time to engage in this blog.

    Reply

  228. Reblogged this on Copperhead Crafts and commented:
    I was going to post a nice little link for a free knitting pattern, but this is just too important not to rebloggd. There are no words to describe how important. Do the same. Many voices are louder than one. It’s easy to get bogged down in life, but remember, the people who are trafficked don’t get breaks, me time, craft time or any time, they are worked until they are too broken and then they are thrown away. Let us not forget these people, who deserve so much more.

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      1. I’m still sickened by this! Ireland (where I’m from) has been having increased trafficking. There was a raid last year (might have been late 2012) and a lot of ppl were freed and a ring was broken but of course a new ring opened up to fill that vacuum. It’s sick. I am all for nonviolence but I would love to napalm those who perpetrate this sickening crime!

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  235. I did my senior thesis in graduate school about human trafficking and this was one of the big things we highlighted. Another sad things is that the next two “biggest conventions” for trafficking are the Republican and Democratic Conventions during election time…

    Figure that one out 🙁

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  237. This is such a large issue that has gone unmentioned for far to long. I am in it to end it. You can help raise even more awareness! Go to enditmovement.com for details. Thank you for shouting out for those who can not speak themselves.

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  238. There should be a death penalty for the crimes of human trafficking and producing child pornography, and it should be such a swift, certain and horrific one that it would terrify these criminals to the core of their cowardly souls. These perpetrators have no heart, and no tolerance should be shown them.

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  240. The award-winning documentary called “Nefarious” is very eye opening. I recommend watching it. If you want to spread more awareness and education then purchase a copy and play it for everyone you know, including government leaders, educators, pastors, etc along with friends and neighbors. There are many organizations out there that are trying to make a difference like Not For Sale and Exodus Cry. They need funds, volunteers and lots of prayer.
    Get involved somehow, even if it’s just awareness. Every little bit helps. This country is in a desperate state and human trafficking has been on the rise in America for quite some time. The darkness is increasing but we can all make a difference with our support and crying out to God for mercy. He’s our only hope.

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  241. This article has absolutely nothing to do with the Super Bowl. They are two completely different things. While it is extremely tragic that these people are subject to this inhumane “trade” so to speak, I can’t say that it is appropriate to compare this issue to a football game. The title of this article leads me to believe that sex trafficking is taking place at the Super Bowl, but after reading it I realize that it’s the complete opposite, and it’s completely irrelevant. Don’t get me wrong, I am completely against sex trafficking in every way, its inhumane, and its a severe violation of human rights. But to compare it to an exciting, happy, and memorable day is just unnecessary.

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    1. @Anthony, I am wondering where in the article you read that sex trafficking isn’t happening at the super bowl? That is the whole point of the article. The nature of trafficking is that it is underground so no of course it’s not happening on the field at the game but instead at the events/parties surrounding the super bowl among fans and tourists who come to the city for the superbowl. It is supply and demand…and demand is always significantly higher at a large sporting event. The number of trafficking victims rises significantly during the super bowl. I’m not saying that merits us boycotting the super bowl. I am a football fan myself and enjoy watching the game. I am merely saying that it is an opportunity for us to be aware and not naive to what is happening. There are victims literally within the shadows of the stadium walls who are brought there for the superbowl. It is a crisis and most definitely not completely irrelevant/unrelated as you suggested.

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