The Department of Homeland Security came to Gainesville to help hotel employees learn how to recognize potential sex trafficking victims.
They gathered at a Hampton Inn as part of DHSâ Blue Campaign, âthe unified voice for DHSâ efforts to combat human trafficking which involves law enforcement, government, non-governmental, and private organizations to protect the basic right of freedom and bring those who exploit human lives to justice.â
Potomac Local was initially invited by hotel management to attend and cover the training, however, DHS officials quickly shut us out the room. DHS told Potomac Local the training session was not for public consumption.
According to the Blue Campaign website, the program coaches hotel staff by paying attention to the signs of possible sex trafficking situations. It stresses that there are many signs to look for in identifying possible sex trafficking victims such large groups of people, paying with only cash, refusing room service, or keeping someone locked up for days.
Fear and anxiety, signs of physical abuse, lack of freedom of movement, and others could also be potential signs of domestic violence.
Regional Director of Sales and Marketing for ING Hotels – Hampton Inn Thida Win-Love asked DHS to provide the training to the staff.
âI feel like itâs getting worse, you can always tell when you see a bunch of girls staying in one room for days without room service, cleaning, or having no contact with hotel staff,â said Win-Love
The National Trafficking Hotline has recorded 51,919 total cases of sex trafficking reports since 2007. Sex Trafficking is one type of human trafficking as defined by the Blue Campaign, forced labor, and domestic servitude are also placed under this umbrella.
It should also be noted that according to their handout while prostitution is not necessarily considered sex trafficking anyone engaging in commercial sex acts who is under the age of 18 is considered to be a victim of human trafficking.
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Commemorating Earth Day from Prince William Forest Park today, President Biden announced a series of wide-reaching climate initiatives designed to expand nationwide access to solar energy and create a federal jobs program known as the American Climate Corps.
In a letter addressed to the Chair and the Supervisors of Prince William County, Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth outlined her intention to withhold prosecution of certain misdemeanor charges, effective May 1, 2024, if she doesnât get her money.
At a presentation hosted by the Prince William County Committee of 100, the community gathered to explore the potential utilization of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a viable energy source for the Northern Virginia region.
Prince William fire and rescue units responded to a residential fire on Merrily Way on April 22, and a fire at Loch Lomond Elementary School on April 20, 2024.
To celebrate Air Quality Awareness Week (May 6-10, 2024), Clean Air Partners is working with A Few Cool Hardware Stores to exchange DC, Maryland and Virginia residentsâ gas-powered lawnmowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers at select Ace Hardware locations in the region. DMV residents who turn in their gas-powered lawn tools will receive a FREE Ego Power+ replacement including batteries and chargers, while supplies last.
Compared to gas, electric lawn equipment can reduce emissions, noise pollution, health risks and maintenance costs and time. The program aims to remove about a hundred gas-powered polluting tools from yards in the greater Baltimore-Washington region.
The exchanges will take place the weekends of May 17-19, 2024, and May 31-June 2, 2024, at A Few Cool Hardware Stores network of employee-owned Ace Hardware stores in the DC and Baltimore metro areas. To participate and get your free Ego Power+ lawn tool, sign up at https://qrco.de/CAPExchange to reserve your tool and select your trade-in date and location.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Do stress and anxiety seem to dominate your thoughts? At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand that navigating mental health can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Our team of compassionate therapists is here to guide you on your journey toward inner peace and emotional well-being. With a client-centered approach, we tailor our therapy sessions to meet your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re struggling with depression, coping with trauma, or simply seeking personal growth, we provide a safe and supportive space for healing and growth.
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Free Irish Music Concert
Welcoming Spring with music from the Emerald Isle, the New Dominion Choraliers offer a FREE concert on Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City.
Joined by Legacy Brass and members of Old
Spring Ceili: An Irish Music Festival
The New Dominion Choraliers of Prince William County and McGrath Morgan Academy of Irish Dance invite you to join them at our Ceili, a grand celebration of Irish music and dance.
A gathering of performance groups throughout Prince William County
