As Green Bay begins to host over 250,000 visitors for the 2025 NFL Draft from April 24-26, attendees are urged to remain diligent about their personal safety. With the large influx of people arriving from around the country, the risk of human trafficking rises, making it crucial for both residents and visitors to recognize the warning signs of danger.

 

Awaken, a Green Bay-based 501(c)(3) organization, recently received a $20,000 grant from Brown County to aid their efforts of combating the potential increase in human trafficking during the draft. Green Bay Awaken Center Program Director Becky Wright said the organization has already put the funding to good use and that their key focus has been on prevention.

 

“We have done a variety of different canvassing events, local presentations, and other awareness activities throughout our community,” said Wright. 

 

Funding has gone towards advocacy materials, including posters and mirror clings, which have been placed in public spaces.

 

“The mirror clings have the Be Safe number on there and those have been put in different places so that people, when they are alone in a private area like a bathroom, can make that phone call and get help,” she said. 

 

When it comes to safety at big events in Wisconsin, Wright says there is often a misconception that instances like human trafficking don’t happen here, but that’s not the case.

 

“Anytime there are large groups coming into a location, crime increases and trafficking is part of crime,” said Wright, “a lot of times people would like to think that trafficking only happens in big cities or in major metropolitan areas or they think it happens overseas but really, the women we’ve worked with are from Brown County or different parts of Wisconsin.”

 

When attending events like the draft that draws in large crowds, Wright says there are signs to look out for when it comes to human trafficking.

 

Signs to Watch For:

• An individual controlling or withholding another person’s money or identification 

• Unusual or domineering behavior or avoiding eye contact

• Wearing clothing that is unseasonal to the area

• Displaying large amounts of cash or valuables  

 

If you believe someone has been trafficked, Wright says the best option is to discreetly contact the Green Bay Police Department or Brown County Sheriff's office to make a report.

 

“Do not go up to people directly and approach the situation,” warns Wright.

 

Instead, be sure to observe identifying marks that could be shared with law enforcement, including what the victim and potential perpetrator looked like, license plate information, and location.

 

“It is not safe to follow them or put yourself at risk because sometimes we may think we’re stepping in to help but we’ve seen situations where they can harm the person being victimized,” said Wright, “reporting is the best thing you can do.” 

It is also important to know how to keep yourself safe. Wright says always being aware of your surroundings and avoiding situations that can put you at risk is critical. Establishing healthy boundaries and traveling with a friend, partner or group is also important.

 

Being informed can help you and your loved ones stay safe while enjoying the excitement at the draft or any large event. 

 

“We’re grateful that Brown County has supported us to be able to do this during the draft,” said Wright, “this is not just a community issue but an Awaken issue and we want to be able to work together in order to prevent and bring awareness to this issue.” 

If you or someone you see may be a victim of human trafficking, contact local authorities or reach out to Awaken at (920) 333-1701 or visit www.awakenjustice.org.