What is currently done to address sex trafficking at major American sports events and how do these measures compare to other nations? How can these approaches be adapted to more effectively address and prevent the issue of sex trafficking?
Sex trafficking is the second most lucrative crime business worldwide. While it is extremely difficult to measure, many feminist and tourism researchers believe that the temporary population spike of major sporting events brings with it a wave of increased trafficking. Traffickers typically target at-risk or isolated citizens, then exploit their relationship for commercial gain. The easier it is for someone to get “lost in the crowd”, the easier it is for traffickers to thrive in that environment.
Wright’s piece focuses mainly on Texas, Indiana, and Florida, three states which have all hosted the Super Bowl. These states are very different, but each have traits that make them particularly susceptible to trafficking. Texas’ long border with Mexico, Indiana’s proximity to multiple large metropolitan centers, and Florida’s numerous international airports and proximity to a number of island nations makes these states easy targets, especially when the citizens and law enforcement are caught up in the whirlwind of a Super Bowl. (Wright, 102-104)
These states have approached solving the issue of sex trafficking with a variety of methods. Inaugural legislation was passed in Texas in 2003, and the Texas Human Trafficking Prevention Task Forces formed around five years later. Florida took a more victim focused approach in forming the Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking. Particular attention was paid to providing resources and security to rescued victims and escapees. Indiana passed new legislation just before hosting the big game in 2012, though it is worth noting that severe punishment was outlined specifically for trafficking involving minors. They too formed a task force dubbed the IPATH. (Wright, 105-109)
International efforts to combat sex trafficking are not so unlike those in America. FIFA, in partnership with UNICEF, launched a child safeguarding program and toolkit. (Dean) Leading up to the World Cup in Brazil, nuns and Pope Francis created the Play in Favor of Life campaign to denounce human trafficking. (Pullela) The IOM sponsored public service announcements which included a website for anonymous reporting during the 2006 World Cup. (Dean) Updated legislation, cooperation between organizations and increased awareness are key to addressing any problem, but particularly ones like trafficking that often go completely unnoticed.
In order to effectively combat sex trafficking policymakers must be willing to adapt to changing times. The sex trafficking industry is extremely adaptable and mobile. The prevalence of sex tourism, defined as “tourism whose main or major motivation is to consummate commercial sexual liaisons”, adds to the complexity of addressing this issue. (Graburn, 438) One approach cannot and will not solve every facet of the problem. As mentioned in the Reuters article, part of the problem is the taboo and lack of education that surrounds sex work. Efforts to empower and protect sex workers, like Brazil’s “Happy being a prostitute” campaign receive harsh backlash for being “pro-sex work”. (Dean) Additionally, many of the people that receive punishment are the exploited workers, rather than their clients or their traffickers. As recently as 2014, a number of victims of trafficking were “rescued” leading up to the Super Bowl. However, it is likely that only the juveniles will see it that way, as all of the adult women were arrested. (Lopes)
Here is one area in which international approaches differ heavily from those in America. Germany is heavily praised for their approach to handling sex trafficking during the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Alterations in policing strategies and proactive steps in increasing awareness helped decrease the number of people that fell victim to trafficking during the event, but one difference between Germany and the United States may provide a better explanation for their success. When advising South Africa on how to follow Germany’s example when hosting the 2010 World Cup, advocacy groups encouraged the nation to legalize prostitution. (Barr) Sex workers are possibly the most motivated and the most informed population when it comes to stopping sex trafficking. In places that voluntary sex work is illegal, they are unable to help these victims without incriminating themselves, pushing the issue farther into the dark. Regulation and supervision by the government provides sex workers with the proper channels to help the people being forced or coerced.
Sources
Barr, John, and Nicole Noren. “Concerns Raised about Illegal Sex Trade.” ESPN, ESPN Internet Ventures, 4 June 2010, http://www.espn.com/espn/otl/news/story?id=5251940.
Dean, Laura. “A Stage for Human Trafficking: The World Cup in Russia.” The Russia File, Wilson Center, 18 June 2018, http://www.wilsoncenter.org/blog-post/stage-for-human-trafficking-the-world-cup-russia.
Graburn, Nelson H. H. The Anthropology of Tourism. S.n., 1983.
Lopes, Marina. “45 Arrested, 16 Juveniles Rescued in Super Bowl Prostitution Bust.” Reuters, Thomson Reuters, 4 Feb. 2014, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-nfl-superbowl-prostitution-idUSBREA131BB20140204.
Pullella, Philip. “Nuns, Backed by Pope, Warn of Human Trafficking at World Cup.” Reuters, Thomson Reuters, 20 May 2014, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-world-trafficking-idUSBREA4J0IS20140520.
Wright, Abbey L. “Cleaning Up The Blood, Sweat, and Tears of the Super Bowl [Sex Trade]: What Host Cities Must Do in Preparation for Major Sporting Events to Combat Sex Trafficking.” Virginia Sports and Entertainment Law Journal, vol. 13, no. 1, 2013, pp. 97–125.
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