It’s all part of a larger effort to get bystanders to recognize trafficking, and to stop it when it occurs.
“These girls are not walking the streets like one would imagine a general prostitute to do. These girls are controlled by an individual who places them in certain locations, sets up this ad on certain websites,” explains Mike Ferjak, a Senior Criminal Investigator with the Iowa Department of Justice.
According to experts, the greatest surge in trafficking during these events comes through online solicitation. A report by LocalSYR.com suggests that over half of the trafficked victims are as young as 12 years old.
While focusing on large-scale events like the Super Bowl does draw awareness of the slavery taking place under our noses, many advocates would argue that it actually conceals the larger problem.
“We actually think that trafficking is a major issue 365 days a year,” said Bradley Miles, CEO of the nonprofit Polaris. “There are no new traffickers (at the Super Bowl). The same 20,000 pimps are moving around to where the action is.”
Still, by educating the public during major events, advocates hope it will teach people what to look for even when the Super Bowl isn’t happening.
“The simple fact of bringing awareness to human trafficking is a priority,” said DJ Shockley, a former quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons. “Many people have no idea this is happening really close to them.”
“The mission is to rescue and restore,” former Falcon Alge Crumpler said.
