The State of Illinois is recognizing Human Trafficking Awareness Day, part of the larger Human Trafficking Awareness Month, in an effort to raise awareness about one of the most under-reported and under-identified crimes. Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to control another person for labor or commercial sex act purposes. Every year millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide, including in the United States and in Illinois. Signs a person is being subjected to human trafficking may include:
• Disconnected from family, friends, community organization, or houses of worship
• A sudden or dramatic change in behavior
• Being disoriented or confused, or signs of mental or physical abuse
• Youth engaged in commercial sex acts
• Child has stopped attending school
• Fearful, timid, or submissive behavior
• Indications the person is being denied food, water, sleep, or medical care
• Defers to someone they are with or appear to be controlled by another person
• No freedom of movement – where they live or where they go
• Unsuitable or unstable living conditions
The public is encouraged to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline if they suspect human trafficking.
• www.humantraffickinghotline.org
• 1-888-373-7888
• *Text: 233733
OR:
