Human Trafficking Response Team holds inaugural community meeting

The Loudoun County Human Trafficking Response Team held its first community meeting in 2024. The event was open for the public, and featured presentations by local government agencies as well as partner organizations that are involved in human trafficking response and prevention within Loudoun County. HART is a community-wide collaborative effort, organized by the Office of the Commonwealth Attorney for Loudoun County in accordance with Va. Code SS 15:2-1627.6.

Bob Anderson, Loudoun County Commonwealth’s attorney, said that the office is dedicated to identifying and destroying the human trafficking network operating in the county and providing support and resources for victims. The problem of labor and sexual trafficking can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age or nationality. Raising awareness and educating people are the first steps to solving it. The Human Trafficking Response Team’s first community meeting was attended by a large number of members of the community, including representatives of the Board of Supervisors and the Leesburg Police Department. Other stakeholders included the Public Defender’s Office and the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia. LAWS Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services and the Arc of Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and the Loudoun County Public Schools.

Anderson said: “Thanks to all who attended this important first step in combating trafficking. Especially the members of the panel discussion, including Elizabeth Lancaster, Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney, Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney; Stefanie Morino, Program Director, Department of Family Services, Marilia Tellez Juvenile Probation officer, Youth Services Department, Michelle Smith, Superintendent of Youth Services Department, and Deepa Patel Executive Director/Cofounder, Trauma and hope.

“I appreciate the courage that Hollie, a victim of human trafficking and Fabian needed to show in order to tell us about their traumatizing experiences. Their stories will educate the community, and help better identify and aid those who are being trafficked.

We are looking for community, business, and church leaders to join our fight against human trafficking in Virginia. Please email us if you are interested in partnering with us. Join us in our fight to end human trafficking and the barbaric chain that it has created,” Anderson said.

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