Attorney General Jason Miyares launches “100% Business Alliance Against Human Trafficking” initiative in Roanoke
Roanoke, Virginia – Attorney General Jason Miyares visited Roanoke on December 21st to introduce a critical initiative aimed at fighting human trafficking in the region. This initiative, known as the “100% Business Alliance Against Human Trafficking,” is a collaborative effort involving Miyares’ office, local businesses, and law enforcement agencies. Its primary goal is to put an end to the scourge of human trafficking.
Miyares emphasized the need for collective action, stating, “This is not a battle that we can win on our own. This is a battle in which there are casualties and there are victims, but we need help.”
During his presentation, Miyares highlighted the alarming statistics surrounding human trafficking in Virginia. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, nearly 300 children have gone missing in the state in 2023 alone, with three cases reported in the Roanoke Valley area. This stark reality underscores the urgency of the initiative.
The “100% Business Alliance Against Human Trafficking” includes comprehensive education modules designed for employees in service industries such as restaurants, hotels, and retail. These modules aim to empower workers to identify potential trafficking victims and know how to alert authorities when necessary. Notably, many trafficking victims have been observed interacting with individuals from the service industry, making this training vital in the fight against the “invisible war” occurring nationwide.
Miyares explained, “It’s happening in every community. It’s happening in rural areas. It’s happening in suburban areas. It’s happening in urban areas. The largest criminal enterprise on the globe is drug trafficking; the second is human trafficking. It’s estimated to be a $150 billion-a-year enterprise.”
The initiative garnered support from various chambers of commerce across Virginia, including the Roanoke Chamber of Commerce, which chose to adopt it. Sam Oakey, Vice-Chair of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors, stressed the importance of this educational material and training for regional businesses to ensure a safe community and conducive business climate.
During the event, Attorney General Miyares recognized individuals in the community who are actively working to combat human trafficking. Keith Farmer, the director of Straight Street Ministries, received the “Quiet Hero Award” from Miyares’ office for his dedicated efforts.
The event also saw the participation of city leaders, including newly appointed Police Chief Scott Booth. They emphasized the importance of partnerships and collaboration in addressing an issue that affects every member of the community. Miyares emphasized that human trafficking knows no boundaries and impacts individuals from all walks of life, transcending political, racial, and social divisions.
