Illinois Rises to Prominence in Human Trafficking Survivor Legislation Following Significant State Reforms

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ILLINOIS (WCIA) — According to a recent assessment, Illinois is now positioned prominently among states for its legislation supporting human trafficking survivors.

Illinois has climbed to the second spot, a significant improvement from its previous “F” rating to an impressive “A,” owing to concerted efforts from various sectors across the state.

Significant developments took place this past August with the enactment of the Trauma-Informed Response to Human Trafficking Act. In tandem, the Illinois State Police launched a dedicated task force.

Known as the Illinois Trafficking Enforcement Group (ITEG), this task force aligns with the newly passed legislation, which is centered around survivors. It emphasizes a trauma-informed approach, aiming to effectively assist victims.

Brenden Kelly, Director of the Illinois State Police, highlighted that the task force collaborates not only with law enforcement but also with organizations that offer tangible support to victims, such as healthcare, transportation, and mental health services.

Kelly said that, bottom line, it’s bigger than just solving a case and finding the perpetrators, but taking care of victims and being aware how the trauma can shape their response helps police solve these crimes.

“If we’re going to have any success at fighting this scorch, this form of modern, human slavery, where they’re treating people like property rather than human beings, if we’re going to have any progress, we have to make sure we are all working together on it,” Kelly said. “We have to do so in a way that is focused on the victim of human trafficking, and I think that’s why this Act, and the progress we’re making here in the state, is so important.”

Laura Dean, the director of the only human trafficking research lab in Illinois, at Millikin University, was also a part of the working group creating the piece of legislation.

Dean said that a common misconception of human trafficking is that it only happens overseas. But, she added that not only is it an issue in the United States, she’s seen it in Central Illinois.

“We see a lot of familial trafficking in this region, so people that are trafficked by family members, and people who are trafficked by people they know. We see a lot of intersections with drugs and trafficking where police go to arrest on drugs and they find human trafficking. So, I think this is a really important issue that can affect many, many more people than we think it does,” Dean shared.

While she and Kelly are both grateful for the improved support for survivors in Illinois, they both agree, there is still much work to be done to bring human trafficking to an end, for good.