Effingham, IL— 57/70 Task Force of Effingham County, IL and SAFE of Vandalia, IL are putting forth a collaborative effort between the organizations to promote education and awareness of human trafficking and sexual assault. The joint venture will schedule speakers and conferences to spread knowledge and instruction on preventive strategies regarding human trafficking and sexual assault. The partnership will work together to create instructional material and supply training for governmental, health care, education, entertainment, or any other organizations that have an interest.
“Human trafficking is often an invisible crime, but we believe everyone can help spot the warning signs and help save victims from their traffickers. Effingham is a hub of Interstate traffic, where millions of people stop at restaurants, bars, and gas stations. There are ways that employees of these establishments, as well as members of the public, can read the signs of trafficking/kidnapping and safely provide victims a way to escape. If we can help save even one person from this awful crime, our efforts will be worth it.” says Amber, 57/70 Task Force member.
Picture: Back row (from left) Carleta Trout (Clinical Director, SAFE), Jill Wright (Awareness Director, SAFE), Ann Deters (57/70 member), Norma Lansing (57/70 member), and Carol Gapsis (57/70 member),
Front row (from left) Stephanie Altizer (Executive Director, SAFE), Amber Wakefield (57/70 member, also on SAFE’s board)
About
The 57/70 Task Force was established in 2020 to educate the community to spot, report and ultimately, eliminate human trafficking in Effingham County, one person at a time. The 57/70 Task Force has been actively working with local agencies like CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocate), SAFE (Sexual Assault and Family Emergencies), Eden’s Glory, SWAN (Stopping Woman Abuse Now), Effingham County Police Department, Effingham County Sheriff’s office, and Effingham Social Justice Group. For more information and resources, visit http://www.5770taskforce.org or find the organization on Facebook.
SAFE’s mission is to provide education to the community, advocacy for individuals and families, and empowerment to heal from sexual violence and other traumatic experiences free of charge in Bond, Clay, Clinton, Effingham, Fayette, Hamilton, Jefferson, Marion, Washington, Wayne, and White Counties in Southern Illinois. SAFE’s services include offering medical/legal advocacy and counseling services to survivors, regardless of how much time has passed since the assault, school and community education, training for professionals, and community outreach services to any individual or organization interested, and counseling services to any support person, regardless of whether or not the survivor themselves is receiving SAFE services.
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