How to help human trafficking victims

State Rep. Barbara Wheeler of Crystal Lake will host a series of informational meetings Jan. 19 in Woodstock about Refuge for Women, an organization that helps women who have been victims of sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

The four meetings will take place at the Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Campus, 2710 S. Country Club Road. The meetings are open to anyone interested in helping bring the mission of Refuge for Women to the area this spring and aid in the funding of their new facility.

"Human trafficking and sexual exploitation of women is a much more pervasive practice than many of us realize," Wheeler said in a news release. "Unfortunately, even when a woman is able to escape her exploitation, the road to recovery and her ability to regain self-worth is not an easy one. Refuge for Women has a very successful program to help women recover, heal and find meaningful employment, but it takes a community to succeed."

The meetings will take place at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. on Jan. 16. For more information or to RSVP, call (847) 973-0064 or email wheeler@ilhousegop.org.