Modern Day Slavery

Springfield, IL… Despite slavery being illegal in every country, a modern day slavery is thriving.  In developed nations, this modern day slavery manifests itself primarily in sex slavery.  Human trafficking is highly-organized and lucrative business, generating close to $32 billion per year.  It is because of this, State Rep. Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) has decided to take action.  Rep. Wheeler signed on to Senate Bill 3558, a bill aiming to provide services to victims and increase punishments to those who violate human rights.

“Despite thousands of women falling victim to trafficking and prostitution every year, Illinois has no access to specialized services to help them,” said Wheeler.  “This legislation is a proactive step to provide community based programs to victims while training prosecutors and forcing people who commit these horrific crimes to pay for the harm they have caused.”

Senate Bill 3558 takes a three-pronged approach in attacking the human trafficking issues.  The bill proposes fines against pimps, traffickers, and people who buy sex.  It would also expand forfeiture to those convicted of promoting prostitution.  Lastly, the bill allows the Illinois Department of Human Services to issues special grants to support specialized services to victims.

Many community activists have come together to shine light on this trouble some issue.  Rep. Wheeler has been working with End Demand Illinois and PROMISE Chicago, a branch of the Salvation Army, to spread the word.  Wheeler will be hosting a breakfast in Springfield on Thursday, May 15 at the Stratton Office Building, 2nd Floor, Room M-1 at 8:00 am to educate citizens and legislators on this issue and the need for action.

“At tomorrow’s breakfast, legislators and citizens alike will have the opportunity to see presentations from End Demand Illinois and PROMISE Chicago, two premiere community activist groups targeting human sex trafficking,” said Wheeler.  “Through education and taking action we can help thousands of victims seek help and justice.”