RICHMOND, Va. – Governor Glenn Youngkin held a conference on Thursday in order to highlight Operation Silence Shattered, an anti-human trafficking initiative that is intended to raise awareness and protect possible victims. It is also intended to push legislation that is aimed at ending human trafficking.
“Human trafficking is not a Republican or Democrat issue—it is a human rights issue. From day one, we have been committed to not just reducing but eradicating this evil, because the fight to end it has long weighed heavily on Suzanne’s and my heart. Together, we will continue making a difference, empowering survivors, and building a future free from the darkness of human trafficking. Our work is far from over, but with unwavering determination, we will bring justice and hope to those who need it most.”
Governor Glenn Youngkin
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Governor Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares were both in attendance of the event.
“In Virginia, we are relentlessly pursuing those who exploit the vulnerable. We have strengthened our efforts at every level—coordinating, enhancing, and centralizing our fight to dismantle trafficking networks and deliver justice. Our goal is clear: to provide a victim-centered, trauma-informed response that combats human trafficking across the Commonwealth. I am proud of our progress, but we will not rest until every trafficker is held accountable and every survivor has the support they need to rebuild their lives.”
Attorney General Jason Miyares
In a press release following the event, Governor Youngkin stated the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, Virginia State Police, the Human Trafficking Institute, several law enforcement agencies, and college police across the Commonwealth are part of Operation Silence Shattered.
“One of the most critical fights of our time is the battle against human trafficking. Human trafficking affects every community, and therefore, it affects all of us. Together, we must send a clear message: we will always stand with victims, and we will always fight for the day when human trafficking is eradicated from our Commonwealth.”
Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears
Operation Silence Shattered began on January 1, and since then, law enforcement has made 21 human trafficking-related arrests, and 12 victims have been identified and offered assistance in their time of need.
The Governor has stated the following points are the prime objectives or Operation Silence Shattered:
- To provide awareness and outreach concerning anti-human trafficking efforts
- To focus awareness of trafficking within college and university campuses
- To address the demand for illicit sex throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia
Virginia State Police have also launched a Human Trafficking Hotline, where callers can anonymously report suspected human trafficking incidents. You can contact the hotline by texting “VSP” and your tip to 847411, or by clicking here.
Other organizations have also been attempting to curb human trafficking cases in the commonwealth, such as Virginia Tech’s Highway Heroes campaign, which is providing the trucking and transportation communities with educational resources related to human trafficking.
The current administration, local law enforcement, and colleges and universities are all working to end human trafficking around our Commonwealth. January is also National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
You can find a recording of Governor Youngkin’s conference here.