Child_Trafficking_Dulles

At an afternoon ceremony at Washington Dulles Airport (May 31, 2011), Governor Bob McDonnell signed three new pieces of legislation that will provide additional tools to combat human trafficking in Virginia and will provide additional services for victims of this horrific practice.   In addition, the governor signed a proclamation making January 11 an annual observance to raise awareness for human trafficking throughout the Commonwealth.

On hand to support the governor was founder Nancy Rivard of Airline Ambassadors International (AAI), the only independent charity of the airline industry that has developed a training program for airline, airport and hotel employees as a front-line of defense against this horrific crime. AAI announced the new training program at the Governor’s bill signing.   The training allows for flight crews to become additional eyes and ears for law enforcement in spotting human traffickers as they use the airlines and hotels to transport their victims.

Victims are often afraid to come forward, and when they do, law enforcement and social services don’t know whether to treat them as criminals or victims. New laws now provide a plan to identify trafficking victims, assists victims receiving benefits, and coordinates state agencies and non-profits in delivering health, housing, education, job training, and legal services.

The event was held at Dulles Airport as many victims are transported on airlines.   It is estimated 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders and 100,000 to 300,000 domestic minors are forced into sexually slavery within the U.S. annually.

News articles generated from the event include:

Washington Times

“McDonnell signs law to fight human trafficking: Raises penalties, drops victim testimony requirement”

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/may/31/mcdonnell-signs-law-to-fight-human-trafficking/
Reporter: Paige Winfield Cunningham

WJLA-TV (ABC-Washington DC)
“McDonnell signs three bills to combat human trafficking, aid victims”

http://www.wjla.com/articles/2011/05/mcdonnell-signs-three-bills-to-combat-human-trafficking-aid-victims-61591.html

Huffington Post

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/conchita-s-sarnoff/virgina-governor-bob-mcdo_b_869318.html
Virgina Governor Bob McDonnell Signs Landmark Legislation Prosecuting Human Traffickers and Helping Victims
Photos from Gov’s Office:
Signing of Legislation to Prevent Human Trafficking and Provide Assistance for Victims - May 31, 2011

Other News Generated from Event:

Rosehill Patch.com, Andre L. Taylor
http://rosehill.patch.com/articles/governor-inks-bills-that-could-land-human-traffickers-in-jail-for-life-13
Governor Inks Bills That Could Land Human Traffickers in Jail for Life
Reporter: Conchita Sarnoff

My Fox DC (Fox – Washington DC)

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell Signs 3 New Human Trafficking Prevention Laws

http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/virginia/virginia-governor-bob-mcdonnell-signs-3-new-human-trafficking-prevention-laws-053111

WTVR-TV (CBS-Washington DC)
Governor McDonnell signs legislation to prevent human trafficking and provide assistance for victims

http://www.wtvr.com/news/wtvr-governor-mcdonnell-signs-legislation-to-prevent-human-trafficking-and-provide-assistance-for-victim-20110531,0,3000496.story

Washington Examiner, David Sherfinski
McDonnell signs bills to combat human trafficking

http://washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/capital-land/2011/05/mcdonnell-signs-bills-combat-human-trafficking

Kansas City infoZine

http://www.infozine.com/news/stories/op/storiesView/sid/47852/

Fort Worth Airlines Examiner

Airline Employees Help Fight Human Trafficking, Reporter: Darren Glenn