La Voz Latina’s Human Trafficking seminar Nov. 19

From press release

State Rep. Chuck Jefferson (D-Rockford) will co-host La Voz Latina’s Human Trafficking seminar from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov.19, in the auditorium of the Zeke Giorgi Center, 200 S. Wyman St., Rockford.

Jefferson will kick off the seminar by explaining his efforts to reduce human trafficking at the state level. Following Jeferson, Shana Willis, executive director of the International Organization for Adolescents (IOFA); Sandra Belman, director of Healthy Families Initiatives at La Voz Latina; Elyse Dalberg and Erin Knowles, outreach workers for the STOP IT campaign with the Salvation Army Family, will present an overview of human trafficking in America, federal anti-trafficking laws, current law enforcement challenges and issues, services available for victims, and procedures and resources for responding to human trafficking concerns.

State Rep. Chuck Jefferson (D-Rockford)

“On the state level, I have consistently supported legislation to crack down on sex offenders, especially child molesters,” Jefferson said. “I have also supported efforts to provide resources for those who wish to leave the illegal sex industry. I now look forward to this seminar, where we will share information with local social service agencies, so that they are prepared to assist victims in the most effective way possible.”

In August, Jefferson was interviewed with State’s Attorney Joe Bruscato in the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation’s (CAASE) new documentary series designed to educate viewers on sex trafficking problems throughout the state of Illinois. By joining with La Voz Latina, Jefferson hopes to not only continue to bring attention to the issue, but he also hopes that the social service agencies will gain much-needed information to help address the issue o the ground level.

“Working with community organizations such as La Voz Latina and neighborhood watch groups allows me the opportunity to learn first hand about crime and safety concerns in Rockford,” Jefferson said. “The only way we can effectively address these problems, such as prostitution and sex trafficking, is by bringing law enforcement, elected officials and community organizations together. Social service agencies also play a key role in helping combat sex trafficking by providing assistance for victims, and through implementing preventative and intervention programs so that children are not forced to repeat violence.”

Registration for this event is free and is provided by Illinois Rescue and Restore. Social service agencies and social workers are encouraged to attend. Illinois Rescue and Restore is a coalition between the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) and the federal government to combat sex trafficking in Illinois.

For more information, or to register for the Human Trafficking seminar, please call Jefferson’s full-time constituent service office at (815) 987-7433.