Illinois

Named for the Illinois Indians, Illinois became the 21st state in 1818. Its capital is Springfield, which is the home of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

Human trafficking is a serious issue that affects people all around the world, including in Illinois. It is a form of modern slavery in which individuals are exploited for labor, sexual exploitation, or other purposes.

In Illinois, human trafficking can take many forms, including forced labor, domestic servitude, and sexual exploitation. It often affects vulnerable populations, such as immigrants, children, and people who are homeless or in poverty.

Illinois has taken steps to address the issue of human trafficking, including passing legislation to strengthen penalties for traffickers and to provide support and services to victims. The state also has a task force dedicated to addressing human trafficking, which works to raise awareness and coordinate efforts to prevent and combat the issue.

If you suspect that someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, there are steps you can take to help. You can report the situation to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or by text at 233733. You can also contact local law enforcement or a trusted organization that provides services to victims of human trafficking. It is important to remember that the safety of the victim should be the top priority and to handle the situation with care and sensitivity.

Northwestern Cheerleader Sex Trafficking Suit Survives Motion To Dismiss
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Northwestern Cheerleader Sex Trafficking Suit Survives Motion To Dismiss

EVANSTON, IL — A former Northwestern University cheerleader who says she suffered sexual assaults and sexual harassment at the hands of wealthy donors to the athletic department can continue her lawsuit against the university and several current and former school officials. Harden Richardson, 24, joined the cheerleading team in 2018 after transferring to Northwestern as…

Not even wild dogs could keep these cyclists from their cross-country goal: Raising awareness for human trafficking
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Not even wild dogs could keep these cyclists from their cross-country goal: Raising awareness for human trafficking

YORKTOWN — The six bicyclists who pulled into Yorktown on Tuesday after a 3,775-mile cross-country journey specifically wanted to do something uncomfortable. They were riding for an uncomfortable cause, after all: the worldwide fight against human trafficking. And during 53 days on the road, they endured painful crashes, flat tires, aching body parts, dehydration, blistering…

Eight arrested by State Police in Springfield human trafficking bust
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Eight arrested by State Police in Springfield human trafficking bust

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Eight men from across Illinois are under arrest following an Illinois State Police operation to combat human trafficking in the Springfield area. State Police officials said the operation happened Aug. 9 and 10 and it was focused on identifying people seeking to engage in commercial sex acts with minors. As a…

Social Media “Human Trafficking Panic” Posts
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Social Media “Human Trafficking Panic” Posts

How often do you see posts about some bizarre situation that might lead to human trafficking? We’ve seen enough of them to have an entire series on them. I was invited to answer some questions by a reporter, but their outlet shut down before they completed the article. Here are the answers I sent in!…

Minnesota wage-theft law starts, critics warn of unintended consequences | Finance & Commerce
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Minnesota wage-theft law starts, critics warn of unintended consequences | Finance & Commerce

A new state law that holds contractors and developers responsible for subcontractor wage violations on their jobsites goes into effect Tuesday. The Construction Worker Wage Protection Act, part of the omnibus jobs and labor bill that was signed into law during the 2023 legislative session, “gives workers hope in collecting their unpaid wages for the…

Center for Prevention of Abuse seeing increased demand for human trafficking trainings
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Center for Prevention of Abuse seeing increased demand for human trafficking trainings

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The popular movie Sound of Freedom is raising awareness about human trafficking here at home. Carol Merna, CEO of Center for Prevention of Abuse, said they have received more requests for human trafficking presentations and anticipates they will get more due the film’s popularity. “The movie is an attention getter and…

Vacatur Legal Services for Human Trafficking Victims: A Path to Healing and Justice

Vacatur Legal Services for Human Trafficking Victims: A Path to Healing and Justice

Editor’s note: there are many articles on vacatur on the Knowledge Vault here. I haven’t encountered anyone that has gone through this in my personal experience, so I did some research to learn about the term “vacatur.” Here’s what I learned so far… Vacatur refers to a legal remedy that allows survivors of human trafficking…

FIRST-PERSON: ‘Sound of Freedom’ ignites passion to end human trafficking
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FIRST-PERSON: ‘Sound of Freedom’ ignites passion to end human trafficking

Something’s brewing. I don’t know exactly what it is, but God is at work. I have a part to play in ending injustice. That’s how I felt after watching the new movie “Sound of Freedom.” It’s the story of a Homeland Security agent who risks his own life to rescue children from the devastating cycle…

Longtime Missouri juvenile officer sentenced to 7 years for sex with teen
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Longtime Missouri juvenile officer sentenced to 7 years for sex with teen

QUINCY (WGEM) – U.S. District Court Judge Audrey G. Fleissig sentenced a former longtime deputy state juvenile officer to seven years in prison for engaging in illegal sex acts with a 15-year-old who was living in an Illinois group home. Judge Fleissig also ordered Scott F. Burow, 63, to pay $7,500 in restitution to his…

Advocate calls DCFS handling of trafficking victims 'gruesome' – CBS News
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Advocate calls DCFS handling of trafficking victims 'gruesome' – CBS News

CHICAGO (CBS) — A member of the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking is speaking out about the treatment of foster children by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Brenda Myers-Powell was outraged to learn DCFS approved sending a teenage sex trafficking victim to live with a man whom court records describe…