Buckner Raises Awareness of Human Trafficking in Chicago

CHICAGO – Showcasing his solidarity with the families of missing and murdered women in Chicago and across the state, Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, will be hosting a Human Trafficking Awareness event on Jan. 23, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Word of Life Church, located at 2602 E 87th St in Chicago.

“So many of the families and friends of these missing and murdered women feel like nothing is happening to help find these missing people, and I want to do whatever I can to help them feel like if no one else hears them, I do,” Buckner said. “I know it isn’t much, but I hope that by raising awareness of this issue and helping educate our community on how to recognize the signs of human trafficking, we can save lives.”

The Human Trafficking Awareness event will be focused on defining human trafficking, hosting a panel on recognizing the signs of human trafficking, and providing resources from the state. There will also be a question and answer section to address inquiries from residents.

Buckner has been a dedicated ally against gender-based violence and human trafficking. He recently called for Congress to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, which is federal legislation that provides significant funding toward the investigation and prosecution of violent gender-based crimes. Buckner also introduced House Bill 3932, which would create the Task Force on Missing and Murdered Chicago Women Act. This legislation is aimed at examining the causes behind the violence Chicago women and girls experience, as well as identifying necessary reforms to help put a stop to the issue.

“This is the right thing to do,” Buckner said. “This issue disproportionately impacts women of color, and it is my duty to our community to introduce legislation that helps residents right now. I will continue to work to educate people on the signs of human trafficking, and fight for the our missing and murdered women in Chicago.”