Crystal is 21 years old. Her life was about to change forever.
At first glance, her life seemed typical for someone in America’s Heartland. She was feeling a bit anxious and lonely when she met a man online. He appeared charming and smart, regularly checking in on her. Crystal began to trust him more with each interaction.
But unknowingly, she was being groomed and manipulated.
This man persuaded her to travel to Chicago, about three hours from her home, for a night out. Once she arrived, he assaulted her physically, emotionally, and sexually. He exploited her vulnerabilities and used threats against her family for control. For five weeks, he forced her into sexual encounters with various men for money.
Eventually, law enforcement found Crystal. Gratefully, she received help with emergency housing and trauma-informed care. During her stay, a caseworker inquired if she knew the abuser’s name. She responded, “Yes, but I can’t spell it, so you’ll have to see.” With that, she lifted her bangs to reveal a homemade tattoo of his name tattooed on her forehead, marking her as his possession.
Crystal’s story sheds light on the harsh reality of human trafficking in the United States, a hidden issue that has devastated countless lives.
Recently, Mackenzie Kelly discussed the policies needed to fight human trafficking. I completely agree. But there are also valuable initiatives underway in Illinois that, if implemented elsewhere, could significantly help in the fight against human trafficking nationwide.
Abuse Prevention Centers are essential in supporting trafficking victims and promoting educational initiatives. They provide training to a variety of people – from first responders and hospitality workers to educators and community groups.
Across the country, individuals—women, men, and children—are trapped in invisible chains, coerced into forced labor and commercial sex. Human trafficking is a pressing, albeit often overlooked, crime and stands as the second-largest criminal enterprise globally, surpassed only by drug trafficking.
Who could have detected the danger in Crystal’s situation? Who might have seen the signs as she was isolated in that house, especially when unfamiliar men frequently visited? Perhaps it could have been someone in the community—a professional noticing unusual patterns in the neighborhood.
We are training local professionals to recognize and assist individuals like Crystal, including public service workers and law enforcement. Bloomington, Illinois, was the first community to enlist us to train nearly 700 city employees. They’ve since committed to training a significant portion of their workforce regularly. They’ve also created protocols for reporting suspected trafficking and are addressing regulations related to criminal activities like illegal massage businesses, which often intersect with trafficking.
Next up for training is Decatur, Illinois, home to around 500 city employees, setting a benchmark for others. As cities meet training criteria, we recognize them as “partners of peace,” certified in trafficking prevention.
City workers often find themselves in situations where they might notice something amiss—whether on the street, in homes, or at community events. They are in a unique position to protect their communities and, when educated, can help those in precarious situations like Crystal’s.
This initiative for professional human trafficking training is powered by grassroots donations from local businesses and citizens. Although it’s not mandated by state or federal agencies, its significance is undeniable.
No doubt, effective government policies are crucial. But alongside education, we must establish systems that alleviate vulnerabilities.
Addressing the public crisis of human trafficking requires a collaborative effort from all societal sectors: lawmakers, communities, law enforcement, businesses, and nonprofits like ours.
