AWARE VA

Anti-Trafficking Workforce Awareness & Response Education for Virginia Hotel Employees

Required by law. Designed to protect. Delivered online.

The AWARE VA: Anti-Trafficking Workforce Awareness & Response Education course is an online training program approved under Virginia Code § 35.1-15.1, designed specifically for hotel, motel, and hospitality employees in Virginia. This course meets all DCJS training requirements and helps your team recognize red flags, respond appropriately, and report suspected human trafficking.

Whether you're a hotel manager, front desk staff, or part of the housekeeping team, this training ensures your workplace is safer—and compliant. Learn at your own pace, get certified online, and keep your property protected under Virginia law.

Recognize the Signs. Respond with Confidence.

Virginia DCJS Approval PENDING. Human Trafficking Training for Virginia’s Hotel and Hospitality Industry

Human trafficking can happen in any hotel—large or small, urban or rural. The AWARE VA training equips front-line hospitality employees with the skills to spot red flags, respond safely, and report concerns using proven, lawful procedures. Created to meet the requirements of Virginia Code § 35.1-15.1, this course is tailored for hotel, motel, and extended-stay staff who interact with guests and work in high-risk environments.

Through realistic scenarios, legal guidance, and actionable tools, employees will learn to identify suspicious behaviors and environments associated with both sex trafficking and labor trafficking. The training also provides clear instruction on when and how to escalate concerns, how to avoid direct confrontation, and how to help create a culture of safety and compliance within your property.

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Did You Know?

Virginia law now requires all hotel employees to complete human trafficking awareness training within 6 months of hire and every 2 years thereafter.
Hotels are a common target for traffickers, due to anonymous check-ins, cash payments, and high guest turnover—making staff training essential.
Most victims don’t ask for help. Without training, hotel employees may overlook subtle red flags that could save lives.
Signs of human trafficking can appear at the front desk, in guest rooms, or behind the scenes in housekeeping and food service areas.
Failure to comply with Virginia Code § 35.1-15.1 could result in enforcement action or legal liability for your business.
Posting human trafficking hotline signage in public and employee areas is also required by law in Virginia lodging establishments.
AWARE VA is a fully online, state-compliant course that makes it easy for hotels to train staff, document completion, and stay protected.