This panel will explore the power of strategic, multidisciplinary collaboration in advancing meaningful legislative change for survivors of human trafficking. In 2025, Virginia passed a bill expanding post-conviction relief options for trafficking survivors—legislation that was drafted and advanced through a unique partnership between the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, the Virginia Association of Commonwealth’s Attorneys, attorneys representing survivors, survivor-advocates, and NGOs specializing in anti-trafficking work and criminal legal reform.

Panelists will discuss how the work group was convened and structured, how trust was built across agencies and perspectives, and how survivor voice shaped the policy goals. The session will walk through the process of identifying legislative gaps, crafting consensus-based language, and navigating political and procedural barriers. Speakers will reflect on the strategies used to secure broad bipartisan support, resulting in the bill’s unanimous passage in both chambers and signature by the Governor.

Participants will come away with actionable insights on building cross-sector coalitions, centering lived experience in policy change, and leveraging collaborative problem-solving to reform laws that continue to criminalize survivors of trafficking.