MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey is encouraging schools, youth organizations, athletic programs, and other community groups across the Northern District of West Virginia to take advantage of free training and prevention resources offered by the Department of Justice to help keep children safe online.
This outreach comes as the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) expands its work with schools and youth‑serving organizations to address the growing threats children face online. In a letter released this week, Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva invited organizations that work with children to partner with the Department on prevention and education efforts. The letter highlights a range of resources available to help communities understand and respond to emerging online risks, including grooming, sextortion, harmful online content, and the misuse of artificial intelligence to create dangerous deepfake images involving children.
“The online dangers that our children face are real and frightening, but there are tools available to help prevent victimization,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. “Schools and youth-centered organizations can play a powerful role in protecting children by using the free trainings offered by the Department of Justice.”
Organizations can choose virtual or in‑person training based on their needs. CEOS offers free prevention programming through webinars and presentations and can connect groups with experts who specialize in online safety. The U.S. Attorney’s Office can also help West Virginia organizations connect with Assistant U.S. Attorneys and federal agents who investigate and prosecute online child exploitation cases. These professionals are available to provide education and outreach tailored to the issues communities are facing.
Any organization interested in scheduling training or learning more about available resources can reach out to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia at Stacy.Bishop@usdoj.gov or contact CEOS directly at CEOS.Prevention@usdoj.gov. Additional prevention resources are available on the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section Prevention webpage.
