Creating Safer Communities, 365 Days a Year

This week, the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota’s leadership to end sex trafficking was featured in the Star Tribune article, “Super Bowl group quietly plans sex trafficking prevention efforts.” In case you missed it, I wanted to share the news of our work to elevate the issue and coordinate the Twin Cities’ model response before, during, and after Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis on Feb. 4, 2018.

Along with Hennepin and Ramsey counties, we are honored to co-chair the Anti-Sex Trafficking Planning Committee for Super Bowl LII and to partner with cross-sector leaders in law enforcement, business, nonprofits, and local government to craft a replicable response to prevent and interrupt sex trafficking during Super Bowl LII and future major events.

As the article references, the research we commissioned and funded the University of Minnesota to conduct, Sex Trafficking and the 2018 Super Bowl in Minneapolis: A Research Brief, shows that an uptick in sex trafficking is likely during the Super Bowl, but that the volume of trafficking is similar to other large events, such as trade shows and other sporting events.

Sex trafficking is not a special event: it happens across Minnesota, 365 days a year. Between now and the Super Bowl next February, we’ll have many opportunities like this one to elevate our leadership, reduce the demand for sex trafficking, educate and engage the public and policymakers, and increase resources to support anti-sex trafficking efforts all year long.

You are a critical partner in this work — and women and girls are safer because of your leadership. Thank you so much for your continued support.

Onward,
Lee Roper-Batker, President & CEO