Navigating the Awards Season and Sporting Events as a Survivor of Human Trafficking

Many nonprofits are assisting in the fight against sex trafficking at high-profile events with a focus on female survivors. Researchers base most of their information on the reporting of females, and front-line supporters are trained to identify and assist female victims. These contribute to society’s steadfast belief that sex trafficking victims are mostly females with males as the perpetrators, which perpetuates a generalization and stereotyping that prevents males from speaking out, reporting, or seeking professional help. Does the revealing of Epstein’s documents support the majority’s belief that sex trafficked victims are primarily female—or can it shed some light on the exploitation of males as well? Jordan Greenbaum (2014) states that recent findings indicate the percentage of sex trafficking between girls and boys is not gender specific but closer to equal. In 2017, the Inter-Agency Coordination Group Against Trafficking in Persons’ “Gender Dimensions of Human Trafficking” notes, “While women still represent the majority of trafficking victims, the proportion of identified male victims has increased from 16% in 2004 to 29% in 2014,” and these numbers are growing.

What makes this even more difficult is the many different definitions of sex trafficking and who is the most vulnerable. Many terms are being used, such as Commercial Sex, Debt Bondage, Forced Child Labor, Attached Labor, and many more. Voices4Freedom refers to human trafficking as Modern-Day Slavery, “…where people are held against their will, under violence or threat of violence, and unable to walk away. They are either never paid or paid irregularly, either in the form of food or money, the sum of which is far below any minimum wage standards; typically, they are paid only enough to survive another day. They are trapped in brothels, factories, mines, farm fields, and many more industries. Women and girls account for 71 percent of all victims of modern slavery. That means one in every 130 women and girls is living in modern slavery.” Many beliefs are that anyone can be vulnerable to sex trafficking, while most focus on loners, broken or dysfunctional family units, child welfare and juvenile justice systems, foster care, runaway and homeless youths, unlawful immigration status, refugees, those seeking asylum, sex workers, and that it mainly happens in poverty-stricken areas. The National Human Trafficking Hotline posits, “While it can happen to anyone, evidence suggests that people of color and LGBTQ+ people are more likely to experience trafficking than other demographic groups. Generational trauma, historic oppression, discrimination, and other societal factors and inequities create community-wide vulnerabilities.”

Dr. Kelli Palfy’s new book, Speaking the Truth in Love: Momma Bear’s Guide to Keeping Her Sons Safe (releasing in Summer 2024), states, “The stakes are high for victims [when] there is a potential for offenders to take advantage. They know how hard athletes work; they train them up to believe in themselves, and then when they do, they threaten to remove their dreams if they fail to comply with their demands. It's almost like they ‘use' the pressure of the world as well.  Any time someone spends excessive amounts of time and energy on someone else's child, it is a red flag. The best thing anyone can do is get the authorities involved AND stand with the victim, not the offender. Too many armies of people stand with the offender.”

Steven L. Procopio, Procopio Consultants, and Therapist: Male Survivors of Sexual Trauma & Trafficking, shares, “High profile events such as the Super Bowl, World Series, and Olympics bring offenders to said events. They know that they can ‘buy’ the services of sex with boys as the traffickers and pimps know there is a great demand and will bring them a great deal of money.  We know trafficking/sexual exploitation is a very huge money-maker for traffickers/pimps.”

Why do males continue to remain silent?

Society continues to uphold the old myths that males cannot be raped, real men would fight back, and if a male is exploited—he wants it. Society also upholds the glorified images of athletes, celebrities, politicians, and high-profile events to eagerly dismiss wrongdoings or associations—because they don’t want to tarnish their ideals. It is as if society makes excuses due to the high pressure and stress these events may cause and turn their backs on the victims. It is astounding to listen to conversations of people defending the names disclosed from Epstein’s documents. In the demand to retain the untarnished tradition of the Oscars, Olympics, Super Bowl, etc., victims are pushed into the background.

Male survivors are shamed, embarrassed, and even blamed for “allowing” and “getting into” exploitative situations. Male survivors are constantly told that no one would believe them. Many male survivors are groomed to believe there are no resources or help available to them. Bruises and other body trauma can easily be brushed off as consequences of roughhousing, playing sports, or simply being uncoordinated rather than abuse. Abuse can be disguised as hazing, initiation, and even rite-of-passage.

Navigating the Shadows of Revelation

The disclosure of names, akin to an unexpected plot twist in a suspenseful movie, has both negative and positive effects on survivors. It's a paradox where pain and relief coexist. As the world celebrates winners during award ceremonies, Olympic Games, or large sporting events, survivors may grapple with the aftermath of revelations, retriggered by memories they thought they had buried.

As a teenager, I can recall my traffickers taking me to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, whenever Ohio State University played. There was excitement and anticipation of OSU pulling out the win. On the first day, we walked around the floats decorated with flower petals and seeds. I remember the floral aroma and the incredible seats we had for the parade. Everything was top-notch, and we were constantly reminded how lucky we were to have been hand selected. The night before the big game was filled with dread and fear as I was lined up and put on display with the other boys for the older men to bid on. I remember I was the youngest and still in high school while the others were in college. We never really knew what hotel we were going to sleep in. I remember breakfast the following day; we gathered at a specified location, and we met some of the OSU players and cheerleaders. It was a festive atmosphere with excitement about the impending game. During this breakfast, the boys would find out who they were going to spend the day with. I remember entering The Rose Bowl Stadium with the professional I was assigned to, of which we did not resemble each other at all, and the ticket taker remarking how great it was for fathers and sons to attend this historic event. But I also remembered that the outward excitement did not reflect the internal battle inside me. Years later, whenever I hear the Ohio State Fight Song, I am filled with dread and have been unable to enjoy any football bowl games.

Like supporting characters in the survivor’s narrative, family members and friends can play a pivotal role in this healing journey. Patience and support are essential as survivors navigate the challenges of disclosure and recovery. Listening to and believing the survivor's story is vital in creating a supportive environment that fosters healing.

Signs People Can Look For:

“First, it is important to know that if a minor is engaged in commercial sex, under federal law, that is a form of human trafficking. So, any indication of commercial sex of a minor is a red flag for human trafficking. Another red flag, according to Polaris, includes having an older or simply controlling parent, guardian, romantic partner, or sponsor who will not allow the victim to speak for themselves or monitor their movements, spending, and communication. Another red flag is if a child is dependent on a family member with a substance use disorder or who is abusive in other ways. Another tragic reality of human trafficking is that parents and guardians can be the ones trafficking their own children to feed a drug addiction or provide for themselves,” states Maria Busch.

Steven Procopio says, “What is important to look for is a male/female with a young person that does not appear to be family and check into the comings and goings of people in hotel lobbies.” It is also essential to be aware that older men with boys or male teens are not always a father and son, uncle and nephew, or brothers, cousins, etc.—but it could be a trafficking situation.

What can People Do to Help?

Maria Busch shares, “It is important to know the National Human Trafficking Hotline number and to call and report if you suspect human trafficking: 888-373-7888. You can also text the Hotline at 233733 (BEFREE) or chat with the hotline on their website at humantraffickinghotline.org/chat. If you are a mandated reporter in Ohio, you are also legally required to report all suspected incidences of human trafficking involving minors to children services and/or law enforcement.”

“If you suspect someone is being trafficked,” advises Steven Procopio, “contact the Human Trafficking Hotline: identify the city/state you are in and ask for intervention resources available to victims of trafficking in that area.”

National Center on Sexual Exploitation (2019) shares, “While major events such as the Super Bowl create a temporary influx of this industry, fighting trafficking following one event will not take down the entire industry. As daunting of an effort as this is, individuals can make a serious difference by vigilantly searching for and reporting suspected trafficking year-round. If you want to go a step further in the fight to end trafficking join our action center.”