RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia officials are using a new campaign to raise awareness about human trafficking. Earlier this month, billboards and signs were put up on major highways across the state, along with signage at Virginia rest areas. It’s estimated that more than 1 million drivers will see billboards each week. The signs raise awareness about the realities of human trafficking and encouraging victims or those with information about possible human trafficking to contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center’s hotline. Attorney General Mark Herring’s office says Virginia has had the fifth-highest number of human trafficking cases referenced on the hotline this year. Herring’s office says that experts believe human trafficking occurs in Virginia because of its location on the east coast, international air and sea ports, and large number of major interstates.
