Reps. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Robin Kelly (D-IL) re-introduced legislation that would encourage a more victim-centered approach to combat human trafficking.
The Reducing the Demand for Human Trafficking Act (H.R.467) would provide greater protections for trafficking victims as well as seek out those who purchase or solicit these services and hold them accountable for their crimes.
This crime is happening all across America with Illinois seeing among the highest in trafficking cases. Sex traffickers sell their victims multiple times a day, and often, these victims are children.
“It’s hard to imagine this modern-day slavery is happening here at home, but it is. Human trafficking is a heinous crime, and it’s often hidden in plain sight. In my district, the city of Rockford ranks second in highest cases of trafficking in the state, and the daily numbers are devastating and deeply disturbing,” Kinzinger said. “Today, I’m proud to re-introduce a bill that would bring to light those who solicit and purchase trafficking services…By cutting off the demand, we can stop the supply, and take one more step towards ending human trafficking for good.”
The bill was introduced on Jan. 11, which is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.
“In 2017, there were 193 human trafficking cases reported in Illinois. One is too many; nearly 200 is unacceptable,” Kelly said. “That’s why I’m proud to be co-sponsoring the Reducing the Demand for Human Trafficking Act. This law would give our local and state law enforcement agencies the resources and tools that they need to combat human and sex trafficking.”