[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded a total of $1,019,361 in grants to support several justice system programs in Illinois that offer support services to victims of human trafficking and sexual assault.

“The funding announced today will help ensure that victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault in Illinois have a voice in our justice system and access to high-quality support services,” Durbin said.

The following Illinois entities and communities received funding today:

• Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office: $250,000 in funding has been awarded to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office under the Department of Justice’s program “Enhanced Collaborative Model to Combat Human Trafficking.” Funding under this program is granted to support a comprehensive approach to combating human trafficking in all forms, including sex trafficking and labor trafficking. This grant will be used to conduct trafficking investigations; provide comprehensive support services to victims; support the prosecution of trafficking crimes; and conduct community-based training and public awareness activities.

• Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority: $416,945 in funding has been awarded to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority through the Office on Violence Against Women’s Sexual Assault Services Program. This program supports rape crisis centers and other nonprofit organizations that provide comprehensive services to victims of sexual assault.

• Guardian Angel Community Services: $352,416 in funding has been awarded to Guardian Angel Community Services in Joliet, Illinois through the Office on Violence Against Women’s Transitional Housing Grant Program. This program provides aid to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking who are homeless, or in need of housing assistance. This funding is used to support comprehensive transitional housing services to help victims of these crimes move into permanent housing.