Human Trafficking Task Force to meet at College of DuPage

State Rep. Patti Bellock

GLEN ELLYN– The Illinois Human Trafficking Task Force will hold its next hearing at College of DuPage from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 14, task force member and State Representative Patti Bellock (R-Hinsdale) announced today. The task force, created last year to help policymakers and law enforcement more effectively target and combat forced sexual exploitation in the State of Illinois, is holding its upcoming hearing at College of DuPage to raise public awareness on the challenges associated with treating human trafficking victims and preventing future cases of sexual exploitation. 

Guest speakers scheduled to appear at the hearing include representatives from the Salvation Army’s “STOP-IT” initiative against human trafficking; the Heartland Alliance; the Rockford Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation; the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation; the Illinois Department of Human Services Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking division; the Illinois Attorney General’s Office; the Immigrant and Workers Rights Practice Group; and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.

 “We are making strides to combat human trafficking in Illinois and protect future victims from falling prey,” Representative Bellock said. “This next task force meeting is an opportunity to share the important work we’re doing here at the state level and what local residents need to know.”

The September 14 Human Trafficking Task Force meeting at College of DuPage will be held in Room SSC2200 – Boardroom of the Student Services Center, located at 425 Fawell Boulevard in Glen Ellyn.

In 2016, Representative Bellock introduced and sponsored legislation (House Bill 2822) which created the Human Trafficking Task Force. In December, Bellock spoke and participated in College of DuPage’s Human Trafficking Awareness Week event, which also featured providers of support services to victims of human trafficking as well as actual victims themselves.

The Human Trafficking Task Force is required to submit its findings and recommendations in a report to the General Assembly on or before June 30, 2017. To learn more about the Human Trafficking Task Force, please click HERE.

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