Real Men Wear Heels

By: Ashmar Mandou

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Local News In opposition to the increase of human trafficking in the state of Illinois, over 300 students at Roberto Clemente High School organized the “Walk in Her Shoes” event May 20 to raise awareness of the issue. Led by a Clemente staff member, students, teachers, and community members walked a mile in heels through Paseo Boricua, Division and Western Ave., to end rape, sexual assault, and domestic violence throughout the Humboldt Park community. “Clemente’s walk a mile in her shoes demonstrated the ability of common people, common high school students to do extraordinary things,” said a Clemente staff member. “It demonstrated the humanity and compassion the students have grown to have for their fellow human beings, especially those most vulnerable. And our march demonstrated a community’s ability to not just take injustice, but to fight it in a creative and constructive way.”

According to the Illinois Department of Human Services an estimated 16,000 to 25,000 women and girls are victims of commercial sexual exploitation in Chicago every year. From December 2007 to June 2009, 257 calls were made from Illinois to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center. This is the fifth highest number of calls after Texas, California, New York, and Florida. After drug dealing, human trafficking is tied with the illegal arms industry as the second largest criminal industry in the world today, and it is the fastest growing. Approximately 800,000 victims annually are trafficked across international borders worldwide, and between 14,500 and 17,500 of those victims are trafficked into the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of State. Many victims trafficked into the United States do not speak and understand English and are therefore isolated and unable to communicate with service providers, law enforcement and others who might be able to help them.

The Chicago-based National Immigrant Justice Center at Heartland Alliance served 80 survivors of trafficking from 2003-2008, most coming from Illinois. The majority were female. Organizations like the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE) and the National Immigrant Justice Center have partnered with the Illinois Department of Human Services to provide educational seminars and resources for community members throughout the state of Illinois.

Identifying Victims of Trafficking:
Is the Victim…
Accompanied by a controlling person?
Isolated either physically or culturally?
Transported to and from work?
Does the victim…
Have any kind of identification?
Have little control over his or her schedule?
Show signs of physical assault including: branding, tattooing, broken bones, or other signs of abuse?
Exhibit submissive or fearful behavior in the presence of others?
Have inconsistencies in stories?
Lack knowledge about a given community or whereabouts?
Date much older, abusive, or controlling men and is a minor?

What You Can Do

  • Join the Illinois Rescue and Restore Coalition. Stay updated on human trafficking events, trainings, and news. Work with coalition members to improve the anti-trafficking strategy in Illinois.
  • Spread the word. Tell your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers about the reality of human trafficking in our communities. Raising awareness about the issue is essential to mobilize communities against modern day slavery.
  • Participate in human trafficking trainings and other local efforts. Learn how you can get involved with local social service organizations, churches, or schools in their campaigns against trafficking.

If you would like more information and resources on human trafficking, please contact the Illinois Rescue and Restore Coalition at dhs.ilrescueandrestore@illinois.gov or call 312-793-0014. If you suspect an incidence of human trafficking, please call the National Hotline at 1.888.3737.888.

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