This Sunday, the Super Bowl will take place in Atlanta, one of the top cities known for modern day slavery. Home to the largest international airport in America, Atlanta represents the largest underground commercial sex industry according to claims by Urban Institute. The National Human Trafficking Hotline Resource Center has stated that Georgia has received 398 calls and 150 reported human trafficking cases as of June 2017.
Sex trafficking occurs when any individual is forced to participate in commercial sex. Traffickers usually target abandoned, vulnerable, bullied, victims likely under the age of 18. Pimps appear trustworthy, promising a better life, luxury items and happiness, before manipulating victims into the sex trade, often threatening violence or further exploitation. Urban Institute reported that Atlanta curated $290 million in revenue from trafficking, making it the largest underground economy in 2007. Comparatively, Atlanta’s underground commercial sex economy in 2007 was nearly 2.5 times larger than the 2013 payroll of the Atlanta Falcons.
The movement against sex trafficking increases exponentially during big events, especially the Super Bowl. Although there is little specific evidence, advocates and law enforcement stand behind claims supporting the Super Bowl as the biggest event for sex trafficking every year. While Atlanta may be one of the most prominent places for human trafficking to occur, communities have taken initiative to protect and prevent vulnerable persons from victimization.
In response to the Super Bowl’s occurrence in Atlanta, movements like It’s a Penalty (which protects nearly 17,000 vulnerable people during major sporting events), S.O.A.P. (which labels the National Human Trafficking Hotline on bars of soap in motel and hotel rooms), and the International Human Trafficking Institute (which owns the relationships with the City of Atlanta, Atlanta Super Bowl LIII Host Committee, the FBI and all other partners) have gathered over 10,000 volunteers to serve throughout the city and combat human trafficking today.
Nationally, the Blue Campaign, launched by the Department of Homeland Security in 2010, trains law enforcement and others to effectively investigate human trafficking, protect victims and bring suspected traffickers to justice. This campaign, along with other organizations, establishes immediate trust with potential victims by introducing support services right away. Organizations note that victims are usually fearful when approached and ask volunteers to explain who they are, answer questions, address fears and remain calm.
Regardless of the event, modern day slavery still exists as the second largest criminal industry in the world. Advocates implore everyone to know the signs of human trafficking and report suspected victims or traffickers to law enforcement and the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
