Victory! Governor Quinn Signs End Demand's Bill to Help Victims of Sex Trafficking

End Demand Illinois campaign led the lobbying effort for this important remedy for victims

CHICAGO—End Demand Illinois, a campaign of the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation, is celebrating a victory after Governor Pat Quinn signed the Justice for Victims of Sex Trafficking Crimes Act into law on Saturday August 6, 2011. End Demand Illinois spearheaded the passage of this law, which enables survivors of sex trafficking to clear their records of prostitution convictions that occurred while they were being trafficked. Illinois is the third state in the nation to pass this type of legislation.

The End Demand Illinois campaign seeks to refocus law enforcement’s attention on holding pimps, johns and traffickers accountable while proposing a network of resources for survivors of the commercial sex trade.  “Our focus on curbing demand and creating resources for survivors has made Illinois a national leader in the movement to end sex trafficking. Under Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez’s leadership, several local traffickers have been convicted this year. This new law recognizes that survivors of trafficking deserve resources so they can move on with their lives,” said Johnson.

The campaign thanks Senator Toi Hutchinson, Alderman Will Burns and Representative Karen Yarbrough for their leadership on this bill and for recognizing that victims of trafficking deserve this justice.

Victims of human trafficking often have criminal records for misdemeanor and felony prostitution as a direct result of being trafficked, even though they had no choice in the matter. It’s estimated that, on any given day in Chicagoland, there are more than 16,000 women and children involved in prostitution-related activities.

CAASE is the lead agency for End Demand Illinois, the first campaign in the country that strives to change state laws to hold traffickers and perpetrators accountable and to provide supportive services to people impacted by the sex trade. To learn more about the campaign, visit  www.enddemandillinois.org

The Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation is committed to building a global community free from sexual exploitation. It is founded on the belief that all forms of sexual exploitation – including sexual assault and the commercial sex trade – are detrimental to a healthy society and undermine the dignity of all people. To learn more, visit  www.caase.org or call (773) 244-2230 ext. 3.