The Super Bowl is coming to Minneapolis, and cities that host the NFL’s biggest game often experience an uptick in crime. One of the biggest crime concerns is that of human trafficking and sex trafficking, but Minneapolis is taking steps to keep traffickers out of the city and to catch individuals who try to traffic women in the days and weeks leading up to the Super Bowl.
The plans for the anti-trafficking project were announced last week at a community summit. At the meeting, community leaders shared their $1 million proposal for preventing trafficking leading up to the Super Bowl. Here’s just a few of the ways the funds will be used to combat trafficking:
- Educational billboards
- Enhanced statewide law enforcement stings
- Trafficking awareness training for law enforcement, bus drivers, hotel workers and all 10,000 Super Bowl volunteers
- Increased street outreach to potential victims
- A local hotline to phone in tips or to seek help
- More emergency shelter beds
Zero Tolerance
Terry Williams, who works with the Minnesota Women’s Foundation, said the city is excited to host the NFL’s championship game, but she knows the responsibilities that come with such an honor.
“We’re excited the Super Bowl is coming here so we can highlight our community and the work we’re doing here,” said Williams before adding that the city will have “zero tolerance” for sex trafficking or human traffickers.
The $1 million project is just the icing on the cake, as anti-trafficking efforts have been in place for years. The Minnesota Women’s Foundation, which has been asked to help lead the charge against sex trafficking by the state’s Super Bowl Host Committee, began a $5 million ant-trafficking effort back in 2011 called “MN Girls Are Not For Sale.” In August, a Duluth-based group launched the “Don’t Buy It Project,” which was designed to educate men and boys about sex trafficking. The group plans to launch another anti-trafficking campaign in September called “I’m Priceless” that will help at-risk youth stay safe.
Preventing The Spike
While claims that the Super Bowl is the largest event for traffickers in the world may overestimate the issue, there’s no doubt that the city will see an increase in the number of sex crimes in the days and weeks leading up to the event. Experts at the University of Minnesota’s Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center say an uptick in online sex ads is almost guaranteed during big events, whether it be the Super Bowl or fishing opener.
“It spikes during the event and goes back down,” said Lauren Martin, who led the research. “I think we can expect that to happen. This is a market-driven enterprise.”
City leaders are hoping to prevent that spike or at least catch those who participate in those activities. That’s the goal of every city who hosts the Super Bowl, but Williams said Minneapolis’ efforts are unique because it involves a huge input from the public and private sectors, as well as sex trafficking survivors.
“Our plan is much more robust,” she said.
We expect to see an uptick in calls for sex crimes as the Super Bowl approaches. If you see something, say something, and if you are being abused, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. We assist victims all the time in our line of work, and we can help get you the help you need. Call Appelman Law Firm today at (952) 224-2277.
