TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 11, 2021 — It’s a Penalty launched its ninth global campaign ahead of Super Bowl LV, focused on harnessing the power of sport to prevent abuse, exploitation and human trafficking. Created in collaboration with global anti-trafficking NGO and Founding Partner A21, It’s a Penalty’s 2021 campaign is dedicated to educating sports fans and the general public on what classifies as human trafficking and the subsequent penalties tied to those offenses. Knowing that large events, such as the Super Bowl, can lead to increased instances of human trafficking due to an influx of visitors, the campaign aims to inform people not only on how to identify exploitation and human trafficking, but how to also take action and report these breaches of freedom.
THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM
- In Tampa, there are documented cases of child sex trafficking as young as 11-years old3 (Source: ABC Tampa)
- More than 100,000 children are sold for sex in the U.S. each year4 (Source: ECPAT-USA)
- 83% of sex trafficking victims in the U.S. are U.S. citizens5 (Source: U.S. Department of Justice)
- Tampa has the 12th highest rate of calls per capita made to the National Human Trafficking Hotline6 (Polaris)
- Florida as a state has the 3rd highest rate of human trafficking cases reported7 (Polaris)
“This campaign is designed to progress us towards our and our partners’ goal to eradicate abuse, exploitation and trafficking globally by 2030 together,” said Sarah Carvalho, CEO, It’s A Penalty. “We know from previous campaigns just how impactful they can be – including our largest yet in 2020 which reported that 84% of people felt improved awareness of the issues of human trafficking and exploitation, and more equipped to make a report after being exposed to the campaign.”
“If a campaign like this existed when I was being trafficked as a teen, it would have prevented me from being trafficked in the first place,” said Kat Rosenblatt, Survivor of Human Trafficking.
The 2021 campaign is supported by renowned American Football players Aaron Rodgers, Chris Godwin, Nick Foles, Andy Dalton, Ryan Tannehill, Benjamin Watson and William Gholston. Each of the high-profile athletes lent their voice to help raise awareness via a 30-second campaign video which is currently being shown in-flight by American Airlines and on Southwest Airlines’ in-flight internet access portal, with a potential to educate 59 million people worldwide. If viewers suspect they’ve encountered a case of human trafficking, or if they see a combination of the signs of exploitation, the campaign video will encourage them to call 211 in Tampa for immediate help; send an anonymous tip by texting CTYTIP to 847411; or by calling the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 to make a report.
ADDITIONAL CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES
- Digital signage, co-branded with Florida’s Attorney General Ashley Moody, was unveiled on January 6th during a press conference at Tampa International Airport (TPA), including signage at all airport TSA checkpoints and in all airport restrooms.
“So much depends on having the right tools and being in the right place at the right time. These strategically placed signs will ensure more travelers are equipped with the information they need to help spot, report and stop human trafficking ahead of the championship game.”
– Attorney General Ashley Moody
- An It’s a Penalty / A21 “Goat” painted and designed by local Tampa Bay Artist, Zulu Painter, will be on display at Tampa International Airport (TPA) in cooperation with Project G.O.A.T. (Global Offense Against Trafficking), and was unveiled at the press conference on January 6th.
- A half-day summit on January 11th, National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, with key stakeholders launching the 2021 It’s a Penalty Campaign at 10 a.m. at the Tampa Downtown Hilton, featuring a keynote delivered by Attorney General Ashley Moody. It’s a Penalty’s Founding Partner, A21, will train hotel staff and management across the Tampa Bay area during the summit with support from AHLA and FRLA.
- 2,500 Uber drivers will display rearview tags with the National Human Trafficking Hotline and local Tampa reporting hotline.
- Tampa Bay area Airbnb hosts will receive education materials on how to spot the signs of human trafficking.
- On Jan. 30th, 400 volunteers will come together, teaming up with SOAP Project and NOMORE, to assemble and distribute awareness kits to over 300 Tampa hotels and motels. Kits will consist of It’s a Penalty campaign materials including the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) list of missing children along with bars of soap and makeup remover wipes with hotline information printed on them.
ADDITIONAL KEY PARTNERS
- Foundingpartner, A21, along with major partners including END IT Movement, the NFL, Hilton Hotels, Rescue Freedom International, Tampa International Airport (TPA), Uber, Airbnb, and Operation Underground Railroad.
- Hillsborough County Commission on Human Trafficking, Super Bowl Host Committee, Florida’s Attorney General Ashley Moody, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- Local and state trafficking task forces, SOAP, NOMORE and over 400 local volunteers.
- American Hotel & Lodging Association and Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA).
To view the It’s A Penalty Super Bowl LV campaign video, please visit https://youtu.be/BCHYzHwrb4k. To find out more about the charity campaign, the difference being made or to donate, please visit http://www.itsapenalty.org/.