Washington, DC – The National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) is raising awareness about the issue of demand for commercial sex in the days leading up to the Super Bowl. An oft-overlooked issue, sex buying at the Super Bowl is a serious concern that has evoked a strong response from various organizations, including NCOSE.
“The influx of men with cash to burn, combined with the celebratory atmosphere of a large sporting event, creates a perfect storm for prostitution demand,” states Lisa L. Thompson, Vice President of Policy and Research at the National Center on Sexual Exploitation.
“When demand for prostitution increases, sex traffickers see an opportunity to profit,” explains Thompson, “This demand is met with an increase in “supply” But don’t be fooled by the economic terminology—I’m talking about the trade in human beings for sex.”
“Male demand for prostitution and other forms of commercial sex is what drives the entire sex trade—and what fuels sex trafficking. If we are serious about combating sex trafficking and other forms of sexual exploitation, then we must #Tackle Demand,” Thompson added.
To fight back against demand for commercial sex and the ensuing increase in sex trafficking, the National Center on Sexual Exploitation is running a week-long campaign titled #TackleDemand leading up to Super Bowl Sunday. The goal of the #TackleDemand campaign is to raise awareness about this issue of demand and to encourage people to take action to prevent sex trafficking.
“The Super Bowl provides an excellent opportunity to bring relevant social issues to light, but NCOSE is also focused on recognizing that sex trafficking can happen at any large event, 365 days a year. Where demand for commercial sex is present, so is sex trafficking” Thompson concluded.
To learn more about the #TackleDemand campaign and efforts to end sex trafficking at the Super Bowl, visit https://endsexualexploitation.org/tackledemand
