Human Trafficking Symposium Highlights Collaboration and Prevention Efforts in Prince William County

Community leaders, service providers and public safety professionals recently gathered for the Greater Prince William Human Trafficking Task Force Symposium, which focused on new laws, emerging trends and collaborative strategies to strengthen the community’s response to human trafficking. 

Hosted by the Prince William County Office of Community Safety, the symposium brought together experts from law enforcement, social services, education, health care and community organizations to share resources, discuss legislative updates and explore coordinated approaches to prevention and survivor support. 

The event emphasized that addressing human trafficking requires strong partnerships and a unified community response. 

“Preventing human trafficking requires more than responding after harm occurs. It requires stronger coordination across systems and stronger connections within communities. When agencies, service providers and communities are connected, we can identify risks earlier, support victims and prevent exploitation from taking hold,” said Dr. Tauheeda Yasin, Director of the Office of Community Safety. 

Presentations during the symposium included resources and prevention strategies from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, as well as legislative updates and community-informed solutions aimed at improving early identification and intervention. 

The event also recognized the participation of Prince William County leaders, including Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry, Gainesville District Supervisor George Stewart and Potomac District Supervisor Andrea Bailey, whose presence underscored the county’s commitment to addressing human trafficking through policy, partnership and community engagement. 

The Greater Prince William Human Trafficking Task Force serves as a collaborative network of local, state and federal partners working to prevent trafficking, identify victims and provide trauma-informed support services for survivors throughout the region. 

The symposium concluded with a call for continued partnership and community engagement. 

Rachel Taylor, Domestic Violence Analyst for the Prince William County Office of Community Safety, said the strong turnout highlighted the growing regional commitment to addressing human trafficking. 

“It’s really incredible to get this kind of turnout for an event dedicated to human trafficking intervention. If events like these are more visible, then more information is able to get into our communities. Northern Virginia really showed up to support these efforts,” Taylor said. 

Events like this symposium reflect the ongoing work of the Greater Prince William Human Trafficking Task Force and its partners to ensure exploitation has fewer places to hide and that survivors have stronger networks of support. 

Through continued collaboration and education, Prince William County and its partners remain committed to strengthening community safety and preventing human trafficking across the region.