VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares is urging every day employees across Hampton Roads to become the eyes and ears in reporting human trafficking.
It's part of a growing problem that Miyares said has left no part of Virginia untouched.
"It is happening in Hampton Roads, and it could be happening right in front of you," Miyares said. "For example, over 80% of those being trafficked are actually visiting a medical provider while they are being trafficked."
To fight against the trend, Miyares unveiled a new partnership called 100% Business Alliance Against Trafficking, where participating businesses will train their employees to not only recognize the signs of human trafficking but also show them how to report it.
Business leaders with Haynes Furniture and the Hampton Roads Chamber have already pledged their support.
"What if it was your child? Your grandchild," said Bryan Stephen, CEO and President of Hampton Roads Chambers. "You would want the business community to stand up and do something and find her and eradicate this terrible affliction that we're facing right now."
Participating employees will be trained by viewing a 30-minute video and then will be instructed to call Virginia State Police if they come across anything.
Miyares said he hopes to see promising results of the partnership by the end of the year.