Illinois Surges Ahead: Ranks Among Top States for Comprehensive Human Trafficking Survivor Legislation

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ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Illinois has climbed to a leading position in a recent assessment of state laws supporting human trafficking survivors.

Once criticized with an “F” rating, the state now proudly holds the second spot with an “A” grade, thanks to concerted efforts at various levels throughout Illinois.

Significant transformations occurred this past August. The passage of the Trauma-Informed Response to Human Trafficking Act marked a pivotal change, and the Illinois State Police launched a dedicated task force.

Known as the Illinois Trafficking Enforcement Group (ITEG), this task force operates in harmony with the new legislation, which places a strong emphasis on survivor empowerment. The law advocates for a trauma-informed approach, ensuring that victim assistance is handled with sensitivity and care.

Illinois now stands as the second-leading state in the nation for its robust support system for human trafficking survivors.

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.