Understanding and Confronting Human Trafficking
January 30, 2026, 9am - 11amRegister Here
Human trafficking happens in our communities, including here in Kane County, and awareness is one of the most effective tools for prevention and response. This free, introductory presentation is open to the public and designed for community members, mental health professionals, service providers, educators, and anyone who wants to better understand how trafficking occurs and how to help.
Participants will learn how human trafficking is defined under the law and explore the different forms it can take, including commercial sex trafficking and labor trafficking. The presentation will cover common myths and misconceptions, populations most vulnerable to trafficking, warning signs to look for, and the tactics traffickers use to exploit victims. Attendees will also gain an overview of how trafficking is identified and investigated, along with local and regional resources available to support victims in Kane County.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Understand the legal definition of human trafficking
- Recognize signs and indicators of trafficking
- Learn how and where to refer potential victims for services and law enforcement support
Speaker Bio
Christine Bayer is an Assistant State’s Attorney and Director of the Human Exploitation Unit for the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office, where she has served since 1997. She assists State’s Attorney Jaime Mosser in managing the office and works with the Priority Prosecution Team on homicide, trafficking, and other special victim cases. Her prior roles include lead attorney for the Sexual Assault/Human Trafficking Division, Child Advocacy Center, Juvenile Delinquency Division, Domestic Violence Unit, and Special Prosecution Unit, as well as first chair in a felony courtroom.
She is also an adjunct professor at Judson University, teaching Intro to Child Advocacy and Criminal Procedure. Christine holds a B.S. in Education and Social Policy from Northwestern University and a J.D., cum laude, from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Recognizing and Responding to Teen Dating Violence
February 27, 2026, 9am - 11am
Register Here
This training provides an overview of teen dating violence and domestic violence, with a focus on how these issues affect adolescents and teens. Attendees will learn clear definitions, explore the emotional, behavioral, and developmental impacts of violence and trauma on young people, and gain a deeper understanding of what teens may be experiencing at home or in dating relationships. The training also offers practical strategies for responding with empathy, safety, and support to help adolescents navigate and recover from these experiences.
Learning Objectives: 1. Defining domestic violence and teen dating violence 2. Understanding the impacts of domestic violence and trauma on adolescents/teens 3. Supporting adolescents/teens experiencing domestic violence at home or in dating relationships Leslie Nathan is a licensed social worker (LSW) at the Community Crisis Center, where they serve as a Community Prevention Educator and Partner Abuse Intervention Group Counselor. Their work focuses on supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as providing community education and prevention programming related to both. Leslie is committed to empowering individuals and strengthening communities through trauma-informed advocacy, education, and intervention.
Ann Vetri is a licensed social worker (LSW) at the Community Crisis Center, where she serves at the Children’s Program Coordinator. Their work focuses on supporting families in shelter and the community who are survivors of domestic violence sexual assault with counseling services. Ann’s mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment for children impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault. She is committed to listening with compassion, advocating for their rights, and fostering healing through trauma-informed care. By offering education, emotional support, and resources, she strives to help each child reclaim their sense of safety, self-worth, and hope for a brighter future.
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