Arrests Made and Juveniles Recovered
In Cook County, jointly operated stings between the sheriff’s office and police in Maywood, Matteson and Lansing led to the arrests of 73 potential customers, known as johns. “The National Johns Suppression Initiative is designed to target and reduce the demand for purchased sex, which fuels a sex trafficking industry that perpetuates a cycle of violence, exploitation, mental illness and drug addiction for victims,” Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart said in a statement.
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New Laws in Illinois
Sexual assault victims who enter an Illinois emergency room will soon be treated by a nurse trained to care for them. Gov. Bruce Rauner signed legislation recently that will require hospitals to train enough medical providers in how to treat sexual assault patients that when a victim arrives, a trained provider is present within 90 minutes. Hospitals will have until January 1, 2022, to comply.
Availability Of Human Trafficking Resources
HB 4340 further expands the Human Trafficking Resource Center Notice Act of 2015 which requires the posting of information about the National Human Trafficking resource center at specific businesses and establishments known to be frequented by victims of trafficking or associated with human trafficking activities. The notice must now be posted to include massage parlors (one of the top human trafficking-related industries), certain large public events and gatherings, schools and tattoo and piercing parlors.
“Not only does this new law contain the best practices of states that have made great strides in reaching human trafficking victims and concerned citizens, but it makes Illinois a state leader in combating human trafficking. No other state requires posting at public events or schools.” Wheeler said. “By publicizing these notices and resources, victims will know they are not alone, and Illinoisans who see suspicious behavior will know what to do and have the potential to make a life-saving impact on someone.”
