WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $7,798,131 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) to develop, expand, and strengthen assistance programs for victims of sex trafficking in Richmond, Fairfax, Alexandria, and Hampton. 

“Community and government-based agencies are on the front lines in the battle against human trafficking,” said the Senators. "We are pleased to announce these critical funds to support communities across the Commonwealth in their effort to end human trafficking.”

The funding was awarded as follows:

• $1,684,000 for the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services in Richmond, VA.
• $1,499,911 for the ICF Incorporated, L.L.C. in Fairfax, VA.
• $588,868 for the Transitions Family Violence Services in Hampton, VA.
• $2,500,000 for the International Association of Chiefs of Police in Alexandria, VA.
• $1,000,000 for the National White Collar Crime Center in Richmond, VA.
• $525,352 for the Virginia Department of Law in Richmond, VA.

In 2016, the Senate passed legislation reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which included a provision championed by Sen. Warner to combat human trafficking in the skies. The Stop Trafficking on Planes (STOP) Act requires airlines to train flight attendants to recognize and report suspected human trafficking to law enforcement.

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