(a) In this Section, "human trafficking", "involuntary servitude", "sex trade", and "victim of the sex trade" have the meanings ascribed to them in Section 10 of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.
13-225.Trafficking victims protection.
Article XIII. Limitations · Part 2. Personal Actions · Last amended 2020 · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceHuman trafficking and sex-trade civil claims must be filed within 25 years of a set starting point or 25 years of discovering both the trafficking act and the defendant's role in it, with tolling for abuse-related coercion and for a linked criminal prosecution.
Full Text of 735 ILCS 5/13-225
(b) Subject to both subsections (e) and (f) and notwithstanding any other provision of law, an action under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act must be commenced within 25 years of the date the limitation period begins to run under subsection (d) or within 25 years of the date the plaintiff discovers or through the use of reasonable diligence should discover both (i) that the sex trade, involuntary servitude, or human trafficking act occurred, and (ii) that the defendant caused, was responsible for, or profited from the sex trade, involuntary servitude, or human trafficking act. The fact that the plaintiff discovers or through the use of reasonable diligence should discover that the sex trade, involuntary servitude, or human trafficking act occurred is not, by itself, sufficient to start the discovery period under this subsection (b).
(c) If the injury is caused by 2 or more acts that are part of a continuing series of sex trade, involuntary servitude, or human trafficking acts by the same defendant, then the discovery period under subsection (b) shall be computed from the date the person abused discovers or through the use of reasonable diligence should discover (i) that the last sex trade, involuntary servitude, or human trafficking act in the continuing series occurred, and (ii) that the defendant caused, was responsible for, or profited from the series of sex trade, involuntary servitude, or human trafficking acts. The fact that the plaintiff discovers or through the use of reasonable diligence should discover that the last sex trade, involuntary servitude, or human trafficking act in the continuing series occurred is not, by itself, sufficient to start the discovery period under subsection (b).
(d) The limitation periods in subsection (b) do not begin to run before the plaintiff attains the age of 18 years; and, if at the time the plaintiff attains the age of 18 years he or she is under other legal disability, the limitation periods under subsection (b) do not begin to run until the removal of the disability.
(e) The limitation periods in subsection (b) do not run during a time period when the plaintiff is subject to threats, intimidation, manipulation, or fraud perpetrated by the defendant or by any person acting in the interest of the defendant.
(f) The limitation periods in subsection (b) do not commence running until the expiration of all limitations periods applicable to the criminal prosecution of the plaintiff for any acts which form the basis of a cause of action under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.
Plain-English Summary
Subsection (b) gives a trafficking or sex-trade victim 25 years from when the limitation period begins under subsection (d), or 25 years from discovering both that the trafficking, involuntary servitude, or sex-trade act occurred and that the defendant caused, was responsible for, or profited from it. Discovering that the act occurred, on its own, isn't enough to start that discovery clock — the plaintiff must also discover the defendant's connection to it. Subsection (c) computes the discovery period from the last act when the injury comes from a continuing series of acts by the same defendant.
Subsection (d) delays the start of the period until the plaintiff turns 18, and further delays it if the plaintiff remains under another legal disability at 18. Subsection (e) pauses the period during any time the plaintiff is subject to threats, intimidation, manipulation, or fraud from the defendant or someone acting in the defendant's interest.
Subsection (f) adds a separate delay tied to criminal exposure: the limitation period doesn't start running until every limitations period that could apply to criminally prosecuting the plaintiff, for acts underlying the civil claim, has expired — protecting a trafficking victim from having to sue while still facing potential prosecution for conduct connected to the trafficking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for a civil trafficking claim in Illinois?
25 years from when the period begins under subsection (d), or 25 years from discovering both that the trafficking act occurred and the defendant's role in it.
Does discovering that trafficking occurred, by itself, start the clock?
No. The plaintiff must also discover that the defendant caused, was responsible for, or profited from the act.
Does the period run while the plaintiff is still a minor?
No. Subsection (d) delays the start of the period until the plaintiff turns 18, and further delays it if the plaintiff is under another legal disability at that point.
Does the period pause during ongoing coercion by the trafficker?
Yes. Subsection (e) pauses the period during any time the plaintiff is subject to threats, intimidation, manipulation, or fraud from the defendant or someone acting in the defendant's interest.
Does this section address a plaintiff who might face criminal charges related to the trafficking?
Yes. Subsection (f) delays the start of the period until all limitations periods for prosecuting the plaintiff over related acts have expired.
Amendment History
(Source: P.A. 100-939, eff. 1-1-19; 101-18, eff. 1-1-20.)
Source & verification. Section text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Compiled Statutes, published by the
Illinois Compiled Statutes, Illinois General Assembly / Legislative Reference Bureau. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
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