January 23

Human Trafficking rarely stands alone as a crime against an individual. Often, Survivors are also victims of additional crimes perpetrated against them due to the exploitation. It is common for survivors to experience the intersectional trauma of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking before, compounded with, or after the trafficking situation. 

Effective January 1st, 2021, Under the Illinois Address Confidentiality Program, Illinois Law expanded the Address Confidentiality for Victims of Domestic Violence Act, an important piece of legislation to better protect the privacy of survivors, to also cover those who are survivors of sexual assault and stalking. This allows individuals further protection from perpetrators by providing an alternative address instead of their real address. 

This expansion will allow many survivors of trafficking who have lived experience of domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking to have access to additional safety measures and added privacy for their location and documents. 

Read more about House Bill 2818 and the newly re-named Address Confidentiality for Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault or Stalking Act here: https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/12/30/22206084/illinois-new-laws-2021-insulin-dna-domestic-violence-minimum-wage-increase