Scherer-Backed Legislation to Combat Human Trafficking Takes Effect

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –Legislation backed by state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, to fight human trafficking by informing the public about the availability of the National Human Trafficking Resource Center anti-trafficking hotline has taken effect.

“Human trafficking is a heinous crime, and it’s vital that victims and observers know how to report it to the proper authorities,” said Scherer. “It’s appalling that this practice is occurring right here in Illinois, and our community needs to work together to combat it.”

Illinois is a transportation hub for traffic and business movement across the country. Scherer helped pass legislation to make available information about the national anti-trafficking hotline in hotels and motels, adding Illinois to the list of states working in a united way to stop this crime. The National Human Trafficking Resource Center operates a toll-free hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to assist victims of human trafficking as well as people looking to report information about potential human trafficking activity at 1-888-373-7888. Since Dec. 2007, more than 90,000 tips have been reported through the hotline, and Scherer wants to ensure that information about it is available to residents of the region.

“Oftentimes, victims of human trafficking are unable to come forward and report what is being done to them, so residents need to be aware of how to report potential human trafficking activity,” said Scherer. “The more people know how to get help, the better the chance that victims will get the assistance and resources they need and the stronger hope we have of stopping trafficking and organized crime.”

For more information, please contact Scherer’s constituent service office at 217-877-9636 or by email at StateRepSue@gmail.com. Scherer represents the 96th District, which includes portions of Christian, Macon and Sangamon counties.