DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — Three different agencies are putting a team together to prevent human trafficking from happening in Central Illinois.
On Monday night, the Decatur City Council approved the police department’s participation in a task force alongside the McLean County Sheriff’s Office and the Illinois State Police. The primary aim is to explore various strategies to combat the issue.
State police said human trafficking is one of the most under reported and under identified crimes because most victims don’t reach out for help.
In Decatur, officials acknowledge that human trafficking poses a significant concern. They believe collaborating with other agencies as a unified team will yield the most effective outcomes.
One representative from a domestic violence organization said this is a crime most people don’t even realize is happening in their community.
“A few years back, as we began attending more training sessions on the topic, there was a community symposium where a resident remarked, ‘Well, yes, but that doesn’t happen here.’ The very next day, a local newspaper featured a story about a woman held captive by two men,” said Joyce Kirkland, director of Dove Incorporated.
Kirkland said human trafficking has become a big problem in Central Illinois, specifically in Decatur.
“It’s a very sinister pattern that has more than just the effects of imprisoning a person and not giving them their freedom, but it affects them emotionally and psychologically for life,” Kirkland said.
Council member David Horn said agencies like the Decatur Police Department, McLean County Sheriff’s Office and Illinois State Police are all part of the new human trafficking task force.
“Well, human trafficking has been with us for a long time, and it’s going to take everybody working together,” Horn said.
Horn said this partnership will help each unit bring in the necessary resources each city needs.
Domestic violence organizations like Dove Inc. are ready to save victims.
“Just gives us more ability to help. To have law enforcement on board and then work with the other agencies locally that that help survivors,” Kirkland said.
Kirkland said on average, they see six human trafficking victims a year. But that’s because most survivors don’t like talking about it. She said there are a few warning signs to know that may help you spot trafficking.
“See if this person appears to be attached to the individual role and being watched carefully. Do they look like they may be seeking help?” Kirkland said.
She said you should always be alert because a trafficker could appear in many forms, like a boyfriend, girlfriend, or family member.
“But often it’s somebody that takes on that role at first that I am your benefactor. I’m your boyfriend or girlfriend, but you just never know who that person could be,” Kirkland said.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline said they’ve identified more than 3,000 cases in the state. Decatur police said their goal is to start the task force around Aug 1.
