It’s a controversial subject. Some say it’s clear that where there’s a huge crowd there is increased sex trafficking. Some say there’s nothing to substantiate that claim. But it makes sense, doesn’t it? Supply and demand. Where more people gather, logically there are more creeps who prey off of vulnerable women and children.
And so, with the Super Bowl coming up, some key people are on high alert. In fact, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has been tweeting. “There are only a few days away from the Super Bowl. A Time where sex trafficking is at high risk. So to anyone out there that is even thinking about it, don’t even try it. We have eyes and ears on the ground and on the web,” he tweeted on January 29th.
Huffington Post notes that Acting Attorney General John Hoffman is working hard to bring awareness to the public about sex trafficking.
Shockingly, human trafficking brings in $32 billion with at least 2.5 million victims worldwide. In the United States alone, there are at least 1.5 million victims.
Particularly vulnerable are foster children. Those who have already suffered from neglect and abuse are more likely to be victimized by predators lurking about.
Of course, trafficking occurs year round. But with increased people flocking to a single location, like the Super Bowl, it is essential that we as a nation, a community, neighbors, and parents be more vigilant. We need to keep our senses sharpened and watch our kids, particularly foster kids, not only as they leave the home, but through their online activities as well.
The Kids Peace Institute shares the shocking statistic that one out of seven children is in danger online as they are approached, solicited, or sexually contacted. Online predators are bold, believing they have anonymity. And if a child, particularly one who is needing assurance and love, is pursued by an online predator, they are at extreme risk.
Beyond we, as foster parents, being ever watchful, the greatest protection will come to our foster children as we give them much needed feelings of security and belonging. When their fear and feelings of abandonment are replaced with unconditional love, that replacement will act as a shield against predators of all kinds.
