Human trafficking is a growing problem in the United States. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, there have been approximately 2,515 suspected incidents of human trafficking between January 2008 and June 2010. If this does not raise the bar for concern, it is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world and is a form of modern day slavery. Human trafficking is not just sex trafficking, where victims are normally forced into prostitution, but labor trafficking is another form where victims are often forced into domestic servitude or sweatshops.
With the rise of human trafficking cases, Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli and the Department of Criminal Justice Services hosted an all-day training seminar to bring awareness to this crime and help local law enforcement agencies target and prosecute traffickers. Additionally, those in attendance heard from The Polaris Project, an anti-human trafficking organization, who gave advice on how to assist the victims of this deplorable crime.
“The types of crimes that these traffickers are committing are terrifying and deplorable-we certainly have our work cut out for us,” said Cuccinelli. “However, I’m confident that we can make tremendous strides as long as we continue to work together with local and federal law enforcement, prosecutors, and victims’ advocates as a comprehensive team.”
Virginia has improved its human trafficking laws over time. The Polaris Project named Virginia one of the most improved states in prosecuting and handling human trafficking cases.
“Human trafficking is one of the most pressing moral issues of our time, and we our grateful for the leadership Attorney General Cuccinelli has shown in the fight against this form of modern-day slavery,” said Dold. “The attorney general’s office has done an amazing job taking this issue head on and we are looking forward to continuing our work together to further strengthen the laws in Virginia and save lives.”
Hopefully, with this seminar, more traffickers will be prosecuted and victims will be able to receive assistance in recovering from the trauma endured from these heinous crimes.
Cross posted at Crystal Clear Conservative
