From the Illinois Senate Republican staff:
Addressing Human Trafficking
- SB 1422 (P.A. 104-0099): Enhances training for frontline workers to identify trafficking indicators.
- HB 2602 (P.A. 104-0241): Extends statutes of limitations for certain trafficking-related crimes.
- SB 2323 (P.A. 104-0159): Improves coordination and delivery of services for trafficking victims.
- HB 1302 (P.A. 104-0173): Enhances victim rights and reporting procedures for sexual assault and domestic violence cases.
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From Refuge for Women, which has a facility in Crystal Lake for which one may volunteer:
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month
Here’s to a New Year of serving survivors and fighting exploitation together, Cal!
National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month (aka Human Trafficking Awareness Month) is here.
Human trafficking is a devastating crime that involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide – including right here in the United States.
It can happen in any community and victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality. It is a pervasive issue that preys on some of the most vulnerable members of society, robbing individuals of their basic human rights and dignity.
Today and every day, I ask you to unite with Refuge for Women Chicago and other allies who are committed to fighting human trafficking. By coming together, we can make a significant impact in educating our communities and fostering a collective commitment to preventing and addressing this grave violation of human rights.
All month on social media, we’ll be sharing statistics, common myths and misconceptions, and testimonies to equip you in fighting this critical human rights issue. Do you follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn? Sharing our posts helps shed light on this critical issue!
Thank you for joining us this month and always to advocate against this crisis affecting our communities, nation, and world. Your voice is a strong asset in this fight!
With deepest gratitude,
Meredith Hodge, Executive Director, Refuge for Women Chicago
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Our residents in both the Long Term Home and Transitional Living Home came together and had a blessed Christmas opening gifts, sharing new memories, and bonding!
Thank you to our donors who provided the gifts, especially Immanuel Lutheran Church of Crystal Lake, to our staff and volunteers who wrapped up the presents, and to West Ridge Community Church of Elgin for donating our delicious Christmas dinner!
Overheard on Christmas: “I’m thankful for people who actually care for me, because they are HERE.” “It’s amazing how you can really feel God’s presence.”
We’re so grateful for your care for our residents as they heal from sexual exploitation. Their healing is made possible through YOU!
Join us for “Light Up the Darkness” for a powerful night of worship, prayer, and hope as we stand together against the injustice of human trafficking.
This night is dedicated to seeking God’s heart for those being exploited and the survivors walking the long road of healing. This is a sacred time to lament, worship, and boldly proclaim that God is still rescuing, redeeming, and restoring!
Date: Wednesday, January 21
Time: 6:30-7:30 pm
Location: Barrington Campus Life Center, 150 S. Lageschulte St., Barrington, IL
Cost: Free; please reserve your seat
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5)
