RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A second shelter for victims of human trafficking in the Richmond area is expected to open next month.
Safe Harbor and Bon Secours Richmond Health System announced Tuesday that the shelter will provide transitional housing to women in central Virginia who are no longer in need of emergency services, but still need some help while they learn life skills and find jobs.
The two organizations opened an emergency shelter last year. Both shelters are in Henrico County, but the precise locations are confidential to protect the women who live there.
Michael Feinmel, a deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney for Henrico County, said his office prosecutes about 75 human trafficking cases annually. He said many women end up being tricked, coerced or forced into prostitution by men with whom they are involved romantically.
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