RICHMOND – During Human Trafficking Month, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced last week that the Commission on Human Trafficking Prevention and Survivor Support released their report on human trafficking in Virginia.
On his first day in office, Youngkin reaffirmed Virginia’s commitment to combat human trafficking by creating the Human Trafficking Commission through Executive Order 7.
The commission’s recommendations focus on reducing the number of human trafficking incidents, as well as identifying solutions to fight human trafficking in the commonwealth.
“During human trafficking month, my administration is expanding our efforts to eradicate human trafficking, the modern-day slavery of our time, in Virginia once and for all. The critical collaboration between the commission and my administration has fostered new state roles to address human trafficking and legislation born of commission recommendations. Thank you to the commission for your important work and reports, we are one step closer to removing this evil from the commonwealth,” said Youngkin.
“Eradicating human trafficking in the commonwealth remains at the center of our service, and we laud the many dedicated parties working tirelessly on this most important issue,” said First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin.
“The commission was established following the continued increase of human trafficking cases both nationally and in Virginia. Comprised of survivors, law enforcement professionals, and practitioners who deliver services and resources to victims, the commission was chartered to take a broad look at historic trends and provide recommendations to combat this heinous crime. Human trafficking remains a priority amongst the unfinished work in society to ensure the respect and inalienable rights of all people throughout the world,” said Commission Chairman Michael K. Lamonea.
“I applaud all the work that has been done by our sex trafficking coordinator. We must take every action to make resources about trafficking are available in the commonwealth,” said Director of the Department of Criminal Justice Services, Jackson Miller.
On Dec. 15, Youngkin proposed over $1 million annually to create 10 new full-time positions at the Virginia State Police, including two human trafficking analysts.
-The Salem Times-Register
