Carol Stream Church Hosts Congressman on Program to Update Parents, Community
November 2016
By Sue Crofton-Knutson
“There’s bipartisan support in Congress to end the scourge of human trafficking,” said U.S. Representative Peter Roskam of Illinois’ 6th Congressional District.
“A number of provisions have been changed already. These include changes in foster care, changes in tracking systems for people entering the country, and enhanced punishment for human traffickers.”
Roskam spoke before the two-hour presentation, The Facts: Human Trafficking in DuPage, held Saturday, October 15, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1244 W. Army Trail Road, Carol Stream, Illinois. New Name Ministries, and Women at Risk International co-sponsored the presentation.
“Grassroots efforts—such as today’s presentation—make a huge difference in how laws are changed,” said Roskam. “This presentation is an outstanding example of what happens when local people come together for change.”
Presentation attendees included teachers, parents, and students. All were eager to learn the facts about the $9.5 billion business of human trafficking. This knowledge is especially important since Chicago is the fifth largest location for human trafficking in the U.S.
One of the presenters was Margaret Wolski of New Name Ministries. The Glen Ellyn location of the national non-profit aids victims of human trafficking.
“Every year, 15,000 to 24,000 people in Chicagoland become victims of human trafficking,” said Wolski. “Of these, 35-40 percent are under age 18. Most are trafficked for sex or pornography. The average age of entry into this form of slavery is 12-14.”
She added that human trafficking is occurring in DuPage County—that it’s occurring within one mile of the Carol Stream church. Recruitment methods used by human traffickers include:
- online gaming sites
- apps such as Snapchat, Pokemon Go (the trafficker waits at the Go stop), WhatsApp, Facebook, Kik, Instagram, Meet Me, Omegle talk to strangers, etc.
- peer recruitment
- kidnappings
- students seen alone at school bus stops or walking home alone from school
- youth at coffee shops, skate parks, theaters
“It’s someone who’s charming and flattering who will approach the youth,” said Wolski. “This can be anyone. There are books available on how to become a pimp.”
To protect children from becoming victims, parents must have this discussion. In addition, there’s the need for parental oversight. “Parents who are not regularly checking their children’s phones and computer activities are putting their children in grave danger,” she said. “Get on their apps. Know what they’re doing.”
For information or to arrange a community presentation, contact New Name Ministries at 414-745-5080.