SAN ANTONIO — As San Antonio readies itself to host the 2025 Men's NCAA Final Four from April 5 to 7, authorities are emphasizing the need for vigilance against
As San Antonio readies itself to host the 2025 Men's NCAA Final Four from April 5 to 7, authorities are emphasizing the need for vigilance against sex trafficking , a crime that often shadows large events.
SAN ANTONIO — Yasmin Vafa, Director of Rights4Girls, underscored the issue, stating, "Especially when there is an opportunity for celebration and festivities, there can be a really dark underbelly of sexual exploitation that can also take place." In response, Vafa says a national billboard campaign has started targeting eight host cities for March Madness games. "The billboards will have a series of revolving messages that all are a play on sports terminology, but what we're hoping is that they catch the attention of the public," she said. Vafa highlighted the gravity of the situation by recalling a past Final Four weekend where "47 men were arrested for felony solicitation of a minor. 11 more individuals were arrested for sex trafficking and promoting prostitution, and 28 sex trafficking victims were recovered, including one child." The Crisis Center of Comal County, with a 38-year history of aiding trafficking victims, is also on high alert. Dr. Julie Strentzsch, CEO of the center, explained, "We see a lot with children, vulnerable women or even vulnerable men, that they use this as a way of trying to get the individual to do what they want them to do." Dr. Strentzsch pointed out the geographical challenges, saying, "Highway 35 and IH 10, it's a corridor. We're part of the triangle. New Braunfels is right in the middle of that. And so people are ferried up and down the highway on a regular basis." She advised the public to remain vigilant during events like the Final Four, looking for signs such as non-consensual relationships, malnourishment, and lack of personal identification. She also noted that trafficked individuals have ways to seek help, mentioning, "Oftentimes you can look in bathrooms and so a lot of the places, like the airports, bus stations, probably even in the Alamodome or some of the areas, have signs and they'll tell people that are being trafficked how to ask for help." Authorities urge the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activity, as it could potentially save lives. The national hotline is 888-373-7888. The Crisis Center of Comal County hotline is 1-800-434-8013, and you can text 830-310-2199.
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