VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and Attorney General Jason Miyares laid out his anti-human trafficking legislative agenda during a Virginia Beach press conference Monday, just ahead of the legislative session that starts this Wednesday.

In December, Miyares announced a partnership with the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, several local businesses and his 100% Business Alliance Against Trafficking initiative.

The attorney general was joined by Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney Narendra Pleas, Hampton Roads Chamber President Bryan Stephens, Haynes Furniture Human Resources Director Samantha Rascoe, and Samaritan House Executive Director Robin Gauthier for Monday’s noon event, held at Haynes Furniture on Virginia Beach Blvd.

“Our commitment, both to Attorney General Miyares and to our communities, is resolute. We have pledged to launch a comprehensive educational campaign for all our associates here in Virginia, with a specific goal in mind: to ensure that each and every one of our associates possesses the awareness and information necessary to actively combat labor and human trafficking within our larger community. Through this initiative, we aim to empower individuals with the knowledge to recognize potential trafficking incidents and promptly report them to the appropriate authorities–a simple, yet powerful, ‘see something, say something’ approach,” said Vice President of Human Resources at Haynes Furniture Company Samantha Rascoe.

“I am thrilled that so many Hampton Roads businesses are joining me in the fight against human trafficking. This is a crime that happens everywhere and in plain sight, which makes community awareness and partnership critical,” said Attorney General Miyares. “By partnering with my office’s 100% Business Alliance Against Trafficking, these companies are committing to making our home safer and ending human trafficking.”

As of January 8, 2024, the following Hampton Roads businesses have committed to this initiative:

  • Haynes Furniture Corporation 
  • Charles Barker Automotive Group
  • Checkered Flag Automotive
  • At Your Service Restaurant Group
  • PHR Gold Key Group 

Click here to learn more about the 100% Business Alliance Against Trafficking initiative.