Governor Glenn Youngkin marked World Day Against Trafficking in Persons by highlighting Virginia’s efforts to combat human trafficking. Speaking at an event in Williamsburg, Youngkin pointed to initiatives launched since the creation of the Commission on Human Trafficking Prevention and Survivor Support through Executive Order 7, issued on his first day in office.
“Since day one, we have been working together to eradicate the evil of human trafficking, with a comprehensive approach of supporting survivors, training Virginians to spot violations and safely report, and giving law enforcement tools to put the evil criminals who perpetrate this modern-day slave trade behind bars,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Raising awareness matters. Since first implemented in 2023, we’ve seen a 245 percent increase in tips to our Virginia State Police Human Trafficking Hotline. On World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we reaffirm our commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that Virginia remains a place where every person’s freedom is secured.”
The administration has focused on passing legislation that enhances law enforcement training, increases support services for survivors, and implements prevention programs. First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin recognized the work of survivors and advocates: “Today we honor the survivors whose strength inspires us and the advocates who walk alongside them every step of the way,” she said. “While all survivors deserve our support, we recognize that women and girls are disproportionately impacted. Across Virginia, nonprofits are the lifeblood of this work—meeting victims with dignity, care, and critical services.”
Attorney General Jason Miyares described human trafficking as a complex crime affecting local and international communities: “Whether it is the forced labor of others, sex trafficking, or the trafficking of immigrants into this nation illegally — human trafficking is a heinous, multigenerational crime that spans from the local to international level,” he said. “Ending human trafficking will require families, communities, individuals, and victims to come forward and stand together to recognize the inherent dignity of each and every human person. I am honored to stand with so many community partners and law enforcement professionals as we work to make human trafficking unthinkable in Virginia.”
Delegate Amanda Batten discussed bipartisan legislative efforts: “I am proud to work with the Governor and First Lady, the Attorney General and with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance legislation that gives law enforcement new tools to prosecute human trafficking, equips everyday Virginians with training to spot it in action and safely intervene, and supports survivors so they can thrive,” she said. “Nobody wants to think that human trafficking is a problem in their community, but that only benefits the criminals that perpetrate this modern-day slave trade. Only by working together can we truly eradicate human trafficking from our communities and our Commonwealth.”
Mike Lamonea praised ongoing anti-trafficking initiatives: “The important work of Virginia’s Human Trafficking Commission and the outstanding leadership demonstrated by Governor Youngkin, Attorney General Miyares, and our incredible law enforcement and non-profit partners has signified the tireless dedication of our Commonwealth to eradicate this heinous crime,” he said. “As Virginians, we must continue the fight to hold traffickers accountable and provide top-notch support to those that they victimized.”
At the Williamsburg event, Governor Youngkin ceremonially signed HB 2033. This bill requires the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority to offer a human trafficking course for retail licensees and their employees.
Following this ceremony, participants attended a training led by Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign—a national effort aimed at raising awareness about human trafficking—and representatives from the Virginia Restaurant Lodging and Travel Association.
Virginia has developed several initiatives as part of its anti-trafficking strategy. The Commission on Human Trafficking Prevention and Survivor Support was established through Executive Order 7 on January 14, 2022; it brought together multiple stakeholders such as law enforcement officers https://vsp.virginia.gov/human-trafficking/, service providers, survivors themselves, as well as community leaders.
In June 2023 a dedicated unit within Virginia State Police began operations focusing solely on investigating these crimes.
Operation Silence Shattered aims especially at college campuses for education about risks related with human trafficking; since January 2025 over 3,700 people have participated while enforcement actions resulted in dozens arrested or charged.
Reporting activity through Virginia State Police’s hotline increased sharply—from 162 tips received in 2023 up through more than triple that figure so far this year (559).
Governor Youngkin has also enacted several laws focused on survivor support—including measures making it easier for certain victims relocated due to trafficking activities get access tuition rates or vacate convictions tied directly back these offenses—and required agencies such as school boards or healthcare facilities provide additional resources intended for at-risk populations.
Numerous bills have mandated training across professions including hotel staff members https://vsp.virginia.gov/human-trafficking/, police officers https://vsp.virginia.gov/human-trafficking/, medical practitioners https://vsp.virginia.gov/human-trafficking/, higher education institutions’ students https://vsp.virginia.gov/human-trafficking/, private security workers https://vsp.virginia.gov/human-trafficking/, as well as ABC licensees https://vsp.virginia.gov/human-trafficking/.
Legislation has also expanded criminal penalties against traffickers—such as updating child abuse definitions or increasing penalties related labor exploitation—to give prosecutors more options when pursuing cases against offenders.
