Major Sporting Events Like Super Bowl Are Often Used by Sex Traffickers to Prey on Vulnerable Children, Women / On Website and Through Social Media Casey To Highlight National Tip Line / Casey-Backed Bill Would Improve Data Collection, Help Victims Find Housing
Washington DC- Ahead of the Super Bowl, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) called on Congress to take action on human trafficking legislation this year. Major sporting events like the Super Bowl are often used by traffickers to prey on vulnerable women and children. Today, Senator Casey will promote resources to help Americans report potential sex trafficking through social media. Senator Casey, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, is a cosponsor of legislation, S. 1878, that would improve data collection on child sex trafficking crimes and aid victims of these terrible actions with transition housing. Last year Senator Casey participated in a hearing on the issue.
“Sex trafficking is a truly heinous crime that often preys on vulnerable women and children,” Senator Casey said. “It’s important that law enforcement and fans stay vigilant this weekend since major sporting events can be a magnet for traffickers. In the coming year, Congress has the opportunity to act on a bipartisan basis to strengthen human trafficking laws. No person in our country should have their lives stolen by human traffickers.”
The approach Casey supports would streamline data collection and reporting on sex trafficking in child welfare. Specifically, the bill requires that state child welfare agencies report the number of children identified as victims of sex trafficking. This legislation will also require that state child welfare agencies immediately report the identity of any child missing or abducted from care. Additionally, this bill encourages states to improve coordination between child welfare, juvenile justice, and social service agencies to address the unique needs of victims of child sex trafficking, including placements in stable housing, treatments for sexual trauma, and other measures to help them reach a full recovery.
Human Trafficking Resources
**As always, if someone believes a victim is in immediate danger, they should call 911**
- The National Human Trafficking Hotline (24/7): 1-888-3737-888, or text INFO or HELP to "BeFree" (233733).
- New Jersey Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-855-END-NJ-HT (855-363-6548)
- New York City Human Trafficking Referral Tipline: 212-335-3400
- New York Asian Women’s Center Project Free Hotline: 1-888-888-7702
- Safe Horizon Anti-Trafficking Program Hotline: 800-621-4673 (HOPE)
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