South Central Reporter

Marsha Webb, a candidate for House District 107, is taking action against human trafficking by organizing an informative presentation on the issue, emphasizing its prevalence not only in Illinois but across the nation. The event, scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 6-7:30 p.m., will be held at Accuracy Firearms in Effingham, renowned for its state-of-the-art indoor shooting range featuring 10 lanes and community facilities.

“Illinois State Police Division Of Criminal Investigations will present information on Human Trafficking. This is happening in every state, including Illinois. We all need to be informed and have an awareness,” Webb said of the event on Facebook.

The presentation’s primary objective is to educate the public about the alarming rates of human trafficking in the region, fostering awareness about this crucial issue. Attendees can anticipate learning about various facets of human trafficking and exploring ways to combat it within their communities.

With Illinois ranking 9th among U.S. states for human trafficking in 2022, there is a growing need to address the issue. While the state reported approximately 300 cases of human trafficking in 2020, global estimates indicate that approximately 25 million individuals fall victim to human trafficking worldwide.

In the city of Chicago, Illinois, the human trafficking crime rate stands at 0.02%. It’s disconcerting to note that over 16,000 women and girls become victims of trafficking annually, with a staggering 62% under 18 years of age and nearly 30% below the age of 15. This has prompted the FBI to classify Chicago as a “High-Intensity Child Prostitution” hotspot.

House District 107 includes Shelby, Christian, Moultrie, Effingham, Macon, Montgomery, and Cumberland counties. Currently represented by State Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville).