By Eric Stock

CHICAGO – Gov. Bruce Rauner has signed a bill to create a task force to combat human trafficking.

Rauner said it’s a problem that has spread beyond Chicago.

“It’s a growing problem and it is horrific ugly, outrageous cruelty,” Rauner said during a bill signing ceremony on Sunday.

Char Rivette, director of the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center, is part of a similar task force in Cook County.

“We are eager to collaborate with our colleagues across the state so that we can all better serve these victims throughout Illinois,” Rivette said.

Julie Woodley is a trauma therapist who founded Restoring the Heart Ministries. She said she was abused by her father, a wealthy businessman and a community leader.

“Feeling the worthlessness of being used by him and by other men,” Woodley said. “Big hands, big men, everything big. I’m small, I’m tiny. I have no voice. I’m speechless and I’m gagged.”

Supporters say human trafficking victims often face language barriers and emotional and economic hardships that cause them to suffer in silence.

The task force will submit recommendations to Illinois lawmakers and the governor by June 2017.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].