January is national “Human Trafficking Awareness” month with recognition that the Super Bowl, Feb. 4, is the largest single event in the U.S. that draws human traffickers who exploit their victims for profit. Farmville United Methodist Women are wearing red to symbolize their push to move through the goalposts toward victory against the horrendous crime of human trafficking. “Red Zone” is a football term for the area between the 20-yard line and the goal line of the opposing team. The group wants to be in the “Red Zone” to score against human trafficking.

They are also encouraging federal legislators to pass Senate Bill 1693 “Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act” (SESTA), which has bipartisan support. Senator Rob Portman (R- OH) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CN) are sponsoring this bill. Sex trafficking occurs with alarming frequency on the “dark web,” particularly Backpage.com, and Senate Bill 1693 will hold it accountable.