If you are in immediate danger and fear for your safety, dial 911.
If you are in a safe place, please call the Samaritan House 24-hour crisis hotline at (757) 430-2120 or use our new chat feature to interact with a member of our specially trained intake staff.
Signs of Domestic Violence
HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT - HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN HAMPTON ROADS
Samaritan House is the leading resource for housing and services for victims of human trafficking in Southeast Virginia.
United States law defines human trafficking as the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person into commercial sex acts or labor against their will, for the economic gain of the trafficker. Any minor under the age of 18 is a victim regardless of whether the trafficker used force, fraud, or coercion.
If you are in immediate danger and fear for your safety, dial 911.
If you are in a safe place, please call the Samaritan House 24-hour crisis hotline at (757) 430-2120 to speak with a member of our specially trained intake staff.
Human Trafficking Statistics
The average age of entry into sex trafficking is 12-14 years old.
26% of trafficked persons are minors (under the age of 18)
Virginia ranks 15th in the U.S. for reported cases of human trafficking
During 2022, 49 persons were served by our anti-trafficking department.
Since the inception of the Hampton Roads Human Trafficking Task Force in 2017, there have been 325 confirmed cases of trafficking in Hampton Roads, including 67 minors.
Recognize the Signs: Gaining the trust of trafficking victims is an important first step in providing assistance.
A victim/survivor may:
Exhibit signs of physical or psychological trauma.
Work excessive hours, but receives little or no pay.
Someone who is not free to move or travel without restriction.
A person who is not in control of their personal identification documents.
Questions to ask:
Is someone forcing you to work against your will?
Are you being forced to perform any type of sex acts?
Is your passport, driver’s license, or birth certificate being kept from you?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, contact our 24/7 crisis hotline at (757) 430-2120 for assistance.
Samaritan House employs a victim-centered and trauma-responsive approach with survivors of trafficking. Evidence-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, art enrichment, equine therapy, and trauma-informed yoga help survivors create a path to healing. Other services include:
Victim Advocacy: Assists program participants with safety planning, court accompaniment, protective orders, repatriation, Continued Presence, and T visas.
Case Management: Helps program participants access transportation, food assistance, counseling, health care, vocational training, and employment.
Housing: Provides immediate housing and assists program participants in transition to permanent, independent housing. A few of our shelters can also accept the pets of program participants.
"The Hallow" Shelter for Minors: In order to safely and adequately serve the growing needs of trafficked minors, Coastal Virginia’s only licensed shelter for juveniles will open in 2024.
Hampton Roads Human Trafficking Task Force
The Hampton Roads Human Trafficking Task Force was created in 2017 and is comprised of the Virginia Office of the Attorney General, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, local law enforcement, Samaritan House and Transitions Family Violence Services.
If you are in immediate danger and fear for your safety, dial 911.
If you are in a safe place, please call the Samaritan House 24-hour crisis hotline at (757) 430-2120 to speak with a member of our specially trained intake staff.
