Human Trafficking is defined as the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person into commercial sex acts or labor against their will. It takes place 365 days a year around the globe and across the United States, with Nevada ranking in the top 10 states for trafficked and exploited youth. This year, Southwest Airlines is once again teaming with It’s a Penalty to support their human trafficking awareness campaign in Las Vegas ahead of "The Big Game”.
It’s a Penalty’s goal is to prevent human trafficking and exploitation on a global scale. The organization runs campaigns during major sporting events, including "The Big Game,” to educate sports fans and the general public on what human trafficking is, the signs to look out for, the penalties for offenders, and how to take action and report any suspected cases. It’s a Penalty harnesses the power of sport to raise awareness about human trafficking and protect potential victims.
To prevent human trafficking from taking place, wide-scale cross-industry collaboration is key. During each campaign, It’s a Penalty works with a variety of partners to maximize impact: airlines, airports, hotels, rideshare companies, the sports industry including the NFL Host Committee, and local law enforcement. They also partner with local nonprofits supporting victims to reach people as they travel to, arrive, and move around Las Vegas for events leading up to the game. This year, It’s a Penalty is expanding their impact through nonprofit grants and the launch of a college ambassador program to train the next generation of leaders on how to prevent human trafficking.
This year marks It’s a Penalty’s 14th global campaign. The campaign is proudly supported by high-profile NFL players and leaders who lend their voices to help raise awareness. You might have seen the campaign video on our inflight entertainment portal or ads around the city if you are traveling through or around Las Vegas. Southwest Airlines is proud to support It’s a Penalty and other nonprofits in the fight against human trafficking.
While human trafficking is a complex issue, it is one that is important to combat. We encourage you to learn more about the ways you can support victims and raise awareness by visiting https://itsapenalty.org/ or https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/what-human-trafficking.
To learn more about how Southwest Airlines strives to mitigate the risk of human trafficking within the Company's business operations, you can review the Southwest Airlines Combating Trafficking in Persons Compliance Plan.
