WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Val Demings (D-FL) introduced H.Res 48 today to recognize the month of January as “National Trafficking and Modern Slavery Prevention Month” and to raise awareness and educate people about this crime against humanity.
“The crime of human trafficking affects more than 40 million victims globally, with one-in-four of those victims being children. This epidemic spans the globe and into our neighborhoods, transcending urban or rural communities, age, race, and gender. Any opportunity to raise awareness to further combat this human rights issue must be taken advantage of, which is why I’m proud to introduce this resolution with my colleague Rep. Val Demings,” stated Rep. LaHood. “Numerous bipartisan bills have been passed and signed into law combatting human trafficking, but there is still much work to be done. I stand committed to fighting this crime alongside my colleagues in Congress, as well as with our state and local entities across central and west-central Illinois.”
Rep. Demings added, “Human trafficking is modern-day slavery. Just as slavery led to the bondage, torture, and exploitation of millions of people, systems of exploitation still metastasize today in the shadows. As a former law enforcement officer, I will not stop attacking and disrupting these networks until every last one has been dismantled and the perpetrators pay for their crimes. But ending the crime of human trafficking and supporting its victims requires more than a federal response. Everyone, from state and local governments down to everyday Americans has a role to play in our effort to protect the human beings at risk or currently caught up in these vicious schemes.”
“Human Trafficking is one of the greatest human rights issues of our time and is far more prevalent, complex, and close to home than most realize,” said Carol Merna, Executive Director of the Center for Prevention of Abuse in Peoria, IL. “The Center for Prevention of Abuse is proud to play a leadership role caring for survivors of this unspeakable abuse, all while training first responders, law enforcement, community workers, students, and the public on indicators, how to report suspicious activity, and the services available for survivors. We are grateful to Congressman LaHood and Congresswoman Demings for heightening awareness of this heinous crime against humanity that reaches into every age group, gender, and socio-economic status across the United States and around the globe.”
You can read the legislation here.
Background:
- Earlier this week, Rep. LaHood addressed the House highlighting this legislation, while also noting local organizations providing assistance against human trafficking, such as Peoria’s Center for Prevention of Abuse.
- Rep. LaHood has held two roundtable discussions in Springfield and Bloomington, along with the Center for Prevention of Abuse, to bring local, state, and federal entities together with those on the front lines of this issue. Those that participated in the roundtables spanned sectors ranging from local law enforcement, health care providers, and legal experts to engage in a valuable conversation to end human trafficking in all its forms.
