A press release from Congressman Randy Hultgren:

Life after Trafficking: Hultgren to Host Forum on Reintegrating Survivors into our Communities

Washington, DC — U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) will host a 14th Congressional District Forum on “Life after Trafficking: Reintegrating Survivors of Human Trafficking Back into our Communities.”

Taking place on Monday, June 22 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in Gurnee, the event will highlight stories of hope for survivors of human trafficking and sex slavery, and what steps northern Illinois can take to help reintegrate these brave victims back into the community.

It is estimated that 25,000 women and children are trafficked throughout the Chicago region every year.

Randy Hultgren

“Our community has worked to raise awareness of the problem of human trafficking right in our backyard so we can save victims and prosecute the perpetrators who force women and children into the horrible practice of sex slavery,” said Rep. Hultgren. “But there’s hope and life after trafficking for these survivors around the world and right here in northern Illinois.

“I look forward to hearing stories of hope from survivors, and expert insight to find concrete ways to help reintegrate these victims back into flourishing and successful lives.”

Rep. Hultgren has made defending victims of human trafficking a top priority while in office, from hosting key anti-trafficking experts for Capitol Hill briefings, to convening community leaders in Illinois to fight the growing problem, and introducing legislation pushing nations to clamp down on the demand for commercial sex within their borders, a major factor contributing to the prevalence of sex slavery.

For his efforts, Rep. Hultgren was recently appointed to the Executive Committee of the bipartisan Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission (TLHRC) with the mission to promote, defend and advocate internationally recognized human rights.

• WHAT: 14th Congressional District Forum on Life after Trafficking: Reintegrating Victims and Survivors of Human Trafficking Back into our Communities
• WHO:
  • Congressman Randy Hultgren (IL-14)
  • Karen Schultz, City Director, Refuge for Women/Chicago
  • Darci Jenkins, Midwest Regional Service Coordinator, Northern Tier Anti-Trafficking Consortium (NTAC)/Heartland Alliance
  • Brenda Myers-Powell, Trafficking survivor and Co-Founder & Executive Director, The Dreamcatcher Foundation
  • Additional speakers may participate
• WHEN: Monday, June 22, 2015, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. CT (Registration begins at 6:15 p.m.)
• WHERE: Warren Township Senior Center, 17801 W. Washington Street, Gurnee