Advertise on podcast: Beyond Awareness - A Podcast by United Against Human Trafficking

Human trafficking investigations cannot succeed in a silo. In this episode, law enforcement officers and victim service providers sit down together to break down what genuine collaboration looks like on the front lines. From identifying hidden trafficking operations to navigating the crucial first 72 hours of survivor care, we explore why building rapport and providing trauma-informed support are just as vital as gathering evidence. Joining the conversation are Rafael Pantoja, Deputy with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office; Cynthia Garcia, Detective/Police Officer with the Houston Police Department Vice Division – Human Trafficking Unit; and Bibiana Reyna, Care Coordinator with Unbound Now, who brings prior law enforcement experience to her current work in survivor advocacy. We also pull back the curtain on modern trafficking tactics—including “Romeo pimps” and social media recruitment—while sharing critical insights on why well-meaning community members must partner with law enforcement and service providers rather than taking matters into their own hands. Tune in for an honest, hopeful conversation about how officers and advocates form an essential team to support victims, build stronger cases, and help survivors move toward safety and healing. Enjoyed this episode? Follow United Against Human Trafficking on Instagram @unitedagainsthumantrafficking or sign up for our occasional newsletter here.  You can also explore more ways to connect, support, and learn at our visiting our Linktree here.

In this episode of Beyond Awareness, we dive into the intersection of systemic barriers, LGBTQIA+ youth, housing instability, and human trafficking. Joining host Rhonda Holmes are Taylor Woodruff with United Against Human Trafficking and Carrie Rai, Executive Director of Tony’s Place. Together, they discuss how minority stress, homelessness, family rejection, and a lack of affirming safe spaces can increase exploitation risks for LGBTQIA+ youth. They also explore how community consistency, radical acceptance, and survivor-centered support can help create pathways toward safety, stability, and true autonomy. Enjoyed this episode? Follow United Against Human Trafficking on Instagram @unitedagainsthumantrafficking or sign up for our occasional newsletter here.  You can also explore more ways to connect, support, and learn at our visiting our Linktree here.

In this episode of Beyond Awareness, we explore the complex role churches and faith-based organizations play in the anti-trafficking movement. We’re joined by Mindy Murphy of Refuge for Women and Lara Coursey of Freedom Collaborative to examine both the impact and the tensions of faith within the movement—and explore how churches and faith-based communities can engage more deeply and responsibly in the fight against trafficking.

In this episode of Beyond Awareness, we don’t shy away from the complex and often controversial topic of foreign nationals, trafficking, and the effects of the current political and social landscape. We’re grateful to be joined by Monica Holtcamp, Foreign National Advocate, Davina Ugochukwu, with Lone Star Legal Aid, and Samantha Ledezma, with YMCA International as we collectively dive into concerns and fears surrounding whether foreign nationals feel safe enough to report their trafficker right now, how organizations are building trust, and how they’re working to protect survivors while helping them understand their rights. Want to receive human trafficking education and UAHT updates straight to your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter here!  Don't follow us on socials yet? Don't miss another beat! Follow us on Instagram here, Facebook here, and LinkedIn here. Thank you for your investment and commitment to continue to learn and unlearn. Stay tuned for our next episode of Beyond Awareness!

In this episode of Beyond Awareness, Taylor Woodruff and Taylor Johnson join us to talk about engaging men in the anti-trafficking movement. We discuss how harmful norms around masculinity can contribute to exploitation, why inviting men into the conversation matters, and how programs like SSE and Real Talk are helping young men and adult men think differently about respect, relationships, and accountability.  Enjoyed this episode? Follow United Against Human Trafficking on Instagram @unitedagainsthumantrafficking or sign up for our occasional newsletter here.  You can also explore more ways to connect, support, and learn at our visiting our Linktree here.

Welcome to Season 1 of Beyond Awareness (formerly I Dare You) from United Against Human Trafficking. In this premiere episode, hosts Titus and Rhonda introduce the concept of intersectionality and explore why traditional “one-size-fits-all” approaches often fall short in anti-trafficking work. Through personal stories and reflections, they set the stage for a season that will dive deeper into the communities most affected by trafficking and highlight how inclusive, survivor-centered approaches can make a real difference. Tune in, learn something new, and join the conversation.

Join us as we re-launch, Beyond Awareness (I Dare You), a podcast by United Against Human Trafficking.  In this special intro episode, Chief of Staff, Titus Benton and CEO, Timeka Walker reflect on 20 years in the anti-trafficking movement and the lessons that have shaped the work.

The foster care system is broken. We all know it.  But how does this fractured system funnel our most vulnerable youth into human trafficking?   Adam Chaney, the Development Director of Foster Care Advocacy Center, and the host Elaine Andino dive deep into the issues in foster care: from the lack of resources to sexual exploitation within the system to the foster-to-trafficking pipeline.

The foster care system is broken. We all know it.  But how does this fractured system funnel our most vulnerable youth into human trafficking?   Adam Chaney, the Development Director of Foster Care Advocacy Center, and the host Elaine Andino dive deep into the issues in foster care: from the lack of resources, to sexual exploitation within the system, to the foster-to-trafficking pipeline.

Human trafficking is a dark, heinous crime that spans the globe, harming millions of people. Is it really possible to tackle such a massive criminal enterprise? We think yes! The only effective way to do it is through the collective power of community members, government, and service providers to intentionally and strategically collaborate. Coalition Manager at UAHT, Ken Henry, and host, Elaine Andino, discuss why working together is critical in the anti-trafficking movement, practical ways to support one another's efforts, and how to collaborate with people you disagree with.

You've probably heard it said that "Houston is #1 for human trafficking," but is it really? Where did that statistic come from? Is it trustworthy? What is the City of Houston doing about human trafficking? Director of the Mayor's Office of Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence, Minal Patel Davis, and UAHT Chief Executive Officer, Timeka Walker, discuss how Houston got its reputation for being "#1 for human trafficking," why that's not necessarily true, and how Houston became an anti-trafficking model for cities across the globe. Take Action Read more about the City of Houston Mayor's Office of Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence comprehensive approach to combating human trafficking.

You've probably heard it said that "Houston is #1 for human trafficking," but is it really? Where did that statistic come from? Is it trustworthy? What is the City of Houston doing about human trafficking? Director of the Mayor's Office of Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence, Minal Patel Davis, and UAHT Chief Executive Officer, Timeka Walker, discuss how Houston got its reputation for being "#1 for human trafficking," why that's not necessarily true, and how Houston became an anti-trafficking model for cities across the globe. Take Action Read more about the City of Houston Mayor's Office of Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence comprehensive approach to combating human trafficking.

"How did I get here?" is a common question men who buy sex ask themselves when they are arrested. Joe Madison, founder of Demand Disruption, digs into why men watch porn and purchase sex and how they can break free.

"How did I get here?" is a common question men who buy sex ask themselves when they are arrested. Joe Madison, founder of Demand Disruption, digs into why men watch porn and purchase sex and how they can break free.

Viral posts about human trafficking stormed the internet in 2020 - but how do we distinguish the truth from fake posts or partial truths? How human trafficking is portrayed on social media and in news stories impacts survivors and anti-trafficking work. In this episode, we sit down with Christa Mayfield, Education Director at Unbound Houston. We discuss harmful conspiracies, how survivors want to be portrayed in the media, and what you can do spread the truth about human trafficking. Take Action: Follow Rebecca Bender @IAmRebeccaBender on Instagram Follow Bekah Charleston @BekahSpeaksOut  on Instagram Follow Katherine Givens @KatGivens on Instagram Before you share a social media post, check the facts and sources.