Foundations of Human Trafficking: Awareness and Intervention
September 2, 2026 | Charlottesville, VA
DCJS is pleased to announce that registration is open for Foundations of Human Trafficking: Awareness and Intervention presented by the State Trafficking Response Team at DCJS.
Human trafficking is happening in communities across Virginia, yet many cases go unrecognized. Victims often do not identify themselves or seek help, making it critical for professionals to recognize the signs. This training is designed for professionals who work with vulnerable populations and want to better understand human trafficking.
This training provides an overview of human trafficking, including its definition, differences between Virginia and federal laws, common risk factors, grooming tactics, and warning signs. Presenters will also discuss the roles that the internet and substance use play in human trafficking. It also explores the impact of trauma on survivors, including complex trauma, strangulation, traumatic brain injuries, and barriers to leaving exploitative situations. Participants learn trauma-informed approaches for working with survivors, available support services, the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, and Virginia-specific resources.
Training Objectives:
• Increase the awareness and understanding of human trafficking and dispel common myths and misconceptions.
• Create an understanding of how survivors experience trauma before, during, and after victimization.
• Increase victim identification and promote trauma-informed responses to survivors.
• Improve the collaborative response to combat trafficking in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Intended Audience: This training is intended for professionals who work with vulnerable populations.
Registration: This training is free. Participants must register in advance.
Schedule: The training is from 9:00am - 3:00pm. There will be a 1-hour break for lunch. Lunch will be provided for registered participants.
Location: Omni Charlottesville Hotel, 212 Ridge McIntire Rd, Charlottesville, VA
Related Expenses: Free parking will be available and lunch will be provided for all registered participants. Hotel rooms for participants are available at a discounted rate of $136/night at the Omni Charlottesville Hotel if booked by August 10. The hotel booking link will be provided after registration.
Register Here
For more information, contact: McKayla Burnett, McKayla.Burnett@dcjs.virginia.gov