Advertise on podcast: Invading the Darkness: Stories from the Fight against Child Sex Trafficking

New Season, New Episode! Season 5 of Invading the Darkness begins with a deeply meaningful conversation about restoration, long-term healing, and legacy. In this opening episode, Marian and Yvonne come together to answer a critical question: Why does restoration deserve an entire season?    This episode shifts the focus from what survivors have endured to who they are today—the lives they are building, the wisdom they carry, and the ways they are pouring into the next generation. Through honest reflection, grief, joy, faith, and lived experience, listeners are invited into a conversation that acknowledges that healing is not a moment, but a lifelong journey. Don’t forget to subscribe @sharedhopeinternational, follow us on social media, and check out invadingthedarkness.org. Visit https://invadingthedarkness.org/ Learn more about how you can take action https://sharedhope.org/justlikeme/    SUPPORT THE PODCAST https://sharedhope.org/appealforms/podcastsupport/  Support the show

Part 2 of Stephanie's story is here!  In Part 1, Stephanie shared the deep and lasting impact of trauma on the brain and body. Now in Part 2, she opens up about the next chapter—her journey toward healing. Through faith, community, and trauma-responsive care, Stephanie is learning what it means to not just survive, but to live fully again.  This episode also explores how critical trauma-responsive care is in supporting survivors on their path to restoration. If you want to learn more about how to respond to survivors with compassion and understanding, we encourage you to take Shared Hope’s RESPOND eLearning course. Access it here: https://training.sharedhope.org/learn/courses/12/respond-treating-human-trafficking-in-the-field  Don’t miss this powerful continuation of Stephanie’s story. Don’t forget to subscribe @sharedhopeinternational, follow us on social media, and check out invadingthedarkness.org. Visit https://invadingthedarkness.org/ Learn more about how you can take action https://sharedhope.org/justlikeme/  SUPPORT THE PODCAST https://sharedhope.org/appealforms/podcastsupport/ Support the show

The body keeps the score—and the brain remembers. In this powerful two-part episode of Invading the Darkness, Stephanie courageously shares how trauma shaped her mind, body, and spirit. From the impact of early exploitation to the long journey of reclaiming her voice, she opens up about what true healing looks like when the past won’t easily let go. Part 1 explores the neurological and emotional toll of trauma—and how shame, fear, and silence can linger even after the abuse ends. Come back for Part 2 where it dives into Stephanie’s path toward healing through faith, community, and trauma-informed support—offering hope to survivors and insight to those walking beside them. Listen now to this honest and redemptive conversation on what it means to remember, to heal, and to rise.   Don’t forget to subscribe @sharedhopeinternational,  follow us on social media, and check out invadingthedarkness.org. Visit https://invadingthedarkness.org/ Learn more about how you can take action https://sharedhope.org/justlikeme/  SUPPORT THE PODCAST https://sharedhope.org/appealforms/podcastsupport/ Support the show

In this powerful episode of Invading the Darkness, Anne opens up about her advocacy within Indigenous communities—where the wounds of trafficking are compounded by generations of systemic injustice. She highlights the urgent need for culturally competent, community-led resources that honor identity, tradition, and the path to healing. This conversation is both a challenge and an invitation: to listen deeply, learn humbly, and lead with respect. True restoration begins when we recognize the culture, history, and unique needs of those we serve. As a member of Shared Hope’s JuST Response Council, Anne also helped shape the Roadmap Report, a guide for building non-system-based responses to vulnerable youth. You can learn more about the JuST Response Council and the Roadmap Report by visiting https://sharedhope.org/what-we-do/bring-justice/just-response-council/ Tune in to hear how Anne is walking alongside her community with compassion, courage, and commitment. Don’t forget to subscribe @sharedhopeinternational,  follow us on social media, and check out invadingthedarkness.org. Visit https://invadingthedarkness.org/ Learn more about how you can take action https://sharedhope.org/justlikeme/  SUPPORT THE PODCAST https://sharedhope.org/appealforms/podcastsupport/ Support the show

In this episode, you’ll meet Sequoia—a young girl placed in a DJJ facility, despite never being charged with a crime. She didn’t need punishment; she needed help. But instead of being seen as a child in need, the system labeled her as a problem. Luckily, her story did not end there. Sequoia’s story reveals what happens when survivors are seen, heard, and treated with dignity. With the support of Joel—a trauma-informed attorney—everything began to change. Advocacy, faith, and survivor leadership helped Sequoia step into freedom, purpose, and her calling to speak out for others. Today, Sequoia is using her voice so the next generation won’t experience the injustice she faced. And you can use yours, too. Take our free eLearning course on trauma-informed practice: https://store.sharedhope.org/product/voi/, and join the fight to end the wrongful criminalization of survivors: https://act.sharedhope.org/4OFwREl This is a story that challenges the system, changes minds, and inspires movements. Don’t forget to subscribe @sharedhopeinternational,  follow us on social media, and check out invadingthedarkness.org. Visit https://invadingthedarkness.org/ Learn more about how you can take action https://sharedhope.org/justlikeme/  SUPPORT THE PODCAST https://sharedhope.org/appealforms/podcastsupport/ Support the show

In Part 2 of Courtney’s story, Yvonne and Kim continue the conversation with a deeper look at what happens after the system fails survivors. Courtney’s mother still lives with the weight of a criminal record—one that never should’ve existed. This episode dives into the importance of vacatur laws, trauma-informed legal reform, and community-based support for survivors working to rebuild their lives. This is the fight for justice that truly restores. And it’s a fight we can’t afford to ignore. Courtney’s story underscores how urgently we need change—from how survivors are treated in the courtroom to the policies that shape their futures. You can take action and learn more through the following resources:    Urge Congress to pass the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act (TSRA)—a critical step toward clearing the records of survivors who were criminalized for their own exploitation. Contact your representative here: https://act.sharedhope.org/h5NmuZy See how your state treats survivors in our Just Like Me Report Cards, which expose gaps in legal protections and outline steps for reform. Sign up to receive your report card on October 14th here: https://reportcards.sharedhope.org/just-like-me-report-cards/ Understand how victim-offender intersectionality impacts survivor outcomes through our Victim-Offender Intersectionality (VOI) eLearning course. Take the course here: https://store.sharedhope.org/product/voi/ Join the movement for systemic change and deepen your understanding at the 2025 JuST Conference where Courtney and her mom will be sharing more of their story. Register here: https://scurrystreet.swoogo.com/justtrainingconference2025   Tune in to hear how real change starts with listening to survivors and clearing the path forward.     Don’t forget to subscribe @sharedhopeinternational,  follow us on social media, and check out invadingthedarkness.org. Visit https://invadingthedarkness.org/ Learn more about how you can take action https://sharedhope.org/justlikeme/  SUPPORT THE PODCAST https://sharedhope.org/appealforms/podcastsupport/   Support the show

Courtney and her mother were both trafficked by the same predator—but the system didn’t treat them the same. While Courtney was seen as a victim, her mother was criminalized.   In Part 1 of this gripping two-part series, Courtney opens up about the trauma they endured, and Yvonne and Kim break down how a justice system without trauma-informed understanding can retraumatize survivors and punish those who need protection the most.   This story is heartbreaking—but it's real. And it’s happening far too often. Courtney’s story underscores how urgently we need change—from how survivors are treated in the courtroom to the policies that shape their futures. You can take action and learn more through the following resources: Urge Congress to pass the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act (TSRA)—a critical step toward clearing the records of survivors who were criminalized for their own exploitation. Contact your representative here: https://act.sharedhope.org/h5NmuZy See how your state treats survivors in our Just Like Me Report Cards, which expose gaps in legal protections and outline steps for reform. Sign up to receive your report card on October 14th here: https://reportcards.sharedhope.org/just-like-me-report-cards/ Understand how victim-offender intersectionality impacts survivor outcomes through our Victim-Offender Intersectionality (VOI) eLearning course. Take the course here: https://store.sharedhope.org/product/voi/ Join the movement for systemic change and deepen your understanding at the 2025 JuST Conference where Courtney and her mom will be sharing more of their story. Register here: https://scurrystreet.swoogo.com/justtrainingconference2025 Listen now to Part 1 and learn why we must reform the system before more survivors fall through the cracks.     Don’t forget to subscribe @sharedhopeinternational,  follow us on social media, and check out invadingthedarkness.org. Visit https://invadingthedarkness.org/ Learn more about how you can take action https://sharedhope.org/justlikeme/  SUPPORT THE PODCAST https://sharedhope.org/appealforms/podcastsupport/ Support the show

What if happiness felt terrifying instead of safe? In this powerful episode of Invading the Darkness, Ashley bravely unpacks how early trauma impacts the brain—and how for many trafficking survivors, even joy can feel like a threat.   From childhood pain to adult healing, Ashley shares what it’s like to resist the very things that are meant to bring peace. We explore how trauma rewires the brain, why healing isn’t always linear, and how joy can become a radical act of recovery.   This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand the deep layers of trauma-informed care—and why aftercare and diversion aren’t optional, they’re life-saving.   If you find Ashley’s episode interesting or if you provide care to trafficked victims, be sure to check our Shared Hope’s RESPOND e-Learning course. You can access it here: https://store.sharedhope.org/product/respond/    Listen now to Ashley’s story of truth, tenderness, and transformation. Don’t forget to subscribe @sharedhopeinternational,  follow us on social media, and check out invadingthedarkness.org. Visit https://invadingthedarkness.org/ Learn more about how you can take action https://sharedhope.org/justlikeme/  SUPPORT THE PODCAST https://sharedhope.org/appealforms/podcastsupport/ Support the show

In this raw and courageous episode of Invading the Darkness, Barb shares how the system failed to see her as a victim—and instead labeled her a criminal. But her story didn’t end there. With boldness and grace, Barb is now leading the charge to break generational cycles of exploitation and create a path to true justice for others. In the episode, she describes the need for a multi-disciplinary, community-based response. Shared Hope offers several resources to help communities take action. The Roadmap Report provides guidance on how to connect youth with community-based services, address key vulnerabilities like housing and family instability, and reduce reliance on formal systems by supporting families and meeting children’s holistic needs. To equip professionals with practical tools, our EXPLOITED e-learning course offers guidance on trauma-informed practices and how to recognize and respond to trafficking. Shared Hope also grades each state on how well their laws protect victims and hold buyers and facilitators accountable. See how your state is doing and where they can improve by signing up to receive this year’s Report Cards, out in October. Whether you’re a service provider, policymaker, or community leader, these resources are designed to support coordinated and compassionate responses to trafficking. From incarceration to advocacy, Barb’s journey is a testimony of what happens when survivors are seen, heard, and empowered to lead. Listen now to hear why survivor-led solutions aren’t optional—they’re essential.   Roadmap Report https://sharedhope.org/what-we-do/bring-justice/just-response-council/roadmap-report/  RESPOND e-Learning https://store.sharedhope.org/product/exploited/  Report Cards https://reportcards.sharedhope.org/just-like-me-report-cards/?refcode=facebook    Don’t forget to subscribe @sharedhopeinternational,  follow us on social media, and check out invadingthedarkness.org. Visit https://invadingthedarkness.org/ Learn more about how you can take action https://sharedhope.org/justlikeme/  SUPPORT THE PODCAST https://sharedhope.org/appealforms/podcastsupport/ Support the show

Lindsay’s story is one of redemption, resilience, and the power of a second chance. In this inspiring episode of Invading the Darkness, she opens up about her experience with trafficking, the obstacles she faced in breaking free, and how God transformed her pain into purpose. Now an advocate and powerful voice for others, Lindsay is using her second chance to speak truth, ignite change, and fight for justice for those still trapped in the cycle. Lindsay’s story also highlights the urgent need for communities to be equipped to recognize and respond to trafficking. That’s why Shared Hope offers practical tools and training to help you take action. Our Warning Signs of Trafficking guide helps individuals spot red flags early, while our RESPOND and EXPLOITED e-learning courses offer in-depth, trauma-informed training for professionals and community members alike. If you’re ready to be part of the solution, explore our resources designed to help build a coordinated, compassionate community-based response—because healing and prevention both start with awareness.  Her journey reminds us: no one is too far gone for hope—and every survivor deserves a chance to thrive. Get the Resources:  Warning Signs of Trafficking: https://invadingthedarkness.org/#learn-the-warning-signs  RESOND e-Learning Course to understand domestic minor sex trafficking: https://store.sharedhope.org/product/exploited/  EXPLOITED e-Learning Course for first responders: https://store.sharedhope.org/product/respond/ Road Map Report for community-based responses: https://sharedhope.org/what-we-do/bring-justice/just-response-council/roadmap-report/ Don’t forget to subscribe @sharedhopeinternational,  follow us on social media, and check out invadingthedarkness.org. Visit https://invadingthedarkness.org/ Learn more about how you can take action https://sharedhope.org/justlikeme/  SUPPORT THE PODCAST https://sharedhope.org/appealforms/podcastsupport/ Listen now to hear how Lindsay is turning survival into strength and advocacy into action. Support the show

In this episode of Invading the Darkness, Liz invites us into her journey of healing, where creativity became a lifeline and restoration meant more than survival—it meant reclaiming her identity. Through art, advocacy, and authenticity, Liz is helping others see survivors not just by their past, but by their purpose. Her story challenges us to move beyond labels and lean into what true, human-centered restoration looks like—full of grace, dignity, and hope. It’s also a powerful reminder that everyone has a role to play in the fight against trafficking and that awareness is essential at every level of society, from our neighborhoods to schools, workplaces, and even medical offices. Don’t forget to subscribe @sharedhopeinternational,  follow us on social media, and check out invadingthedarkness.org. Visit https://invadingthedarkness.org/ Learn more about how you can take action https://sharedhope.org/justlikeme/  SUPPORT THE PODCAST https://sharedhope.org/appealforms/podcastsupport/      Tune in to hear how Liz is using her voice and vision to help others heal, one art-filled expression at a time. Support the show

In this deeply moving episode of Invading the Darkness, Lacey shares her experience navigating the legal system as a trafficking survivor—and the lasting impact it had on her healing. From being retraumatized by the very systems meant to protect her, to becoming an advocate for change, Lacey sheds light on the urgent need for trauma-informed, survivor-centered support in every step of the justice process. Her story is a powerful reminder that justice must do more than prosecute—it must protect, restore, and truly see the person behind the case. You can help make the legal system more survivor-centered and trauma informed! Take the Victim-Offender Intersectionality course and share it with criminal justice professionals you know. Visit https://store.sharedhope.org/product/voi/ to get started! Don’t forget to subscribe @sharedhopeinternational, follow us on social media, and check out invadingthedarkness.org. Visit https://invadingthedarkness.org/ Learn more about how you can take action https://sharedhope.org/justlikeme/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST https://sharedhope.org/appealforms/podcastsupport/ Listen now to hear Lacey’s journey and the call to reform systems that were never built with survivors in mind. Support the show

Welcome back to Shared Hope International’s Invading the Darkness podcast where we are elevating and amplify survivor voices and stories. In this powerful episode, Bethany shares how real change begins at the community level. As a subject matter expert and advocate, she speaks truth into the gaps she has witnessed firsthand—and calls on each of us to respond with compassion, accountability, and action. From law enforcement and local nonprofits to everyday neighbors, Bethany explores what it takes to build survivor-centered, trauma-informed communities that go beyond reacting to trafficking—they work to prevent it. The episode also highlights key resources to strengthen these efforts, including Shared Hope’s Roadmap Report and the RESPOND e-Learning Course. Bethany’s voice is clear: no one can do everything, but everyone can do something. Tune in now to hear why community-based responses matter. Don’t forget to subscribe @sharedhopeinternational, follow us on social media, and check out invadingthedarkness.org. Visit https://invadingthedarkness.org/ Learn more about how you can take action https://sharedhope.org/justlikeme/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST https://sharedhope.org/appealforms/podcastsupport/ Now, if you’re ready, let’s invade the darkness together. Support the show

Season 4 Continues! We’re honored to have you join us for another powerful episode of Invading the Darkness where we will hear from Alia. From being exploited at a young age to now standing in boldness and purpose, Alia’s journey is one of pain, power, and transformation. Her voice is a light in the dark—and her story is a call to all of us to rise up, speak out, and believe that freedom is possible. Alia’s exploitation began online, where a trafficker preyed on her vulnerability and her need for basic survival. In today’s digital age, knowing how to stay safe online is more critical than ever. That’s why we encourage you to explore Shared Hope’s Internet Safety Toolkit and our Warning Signs of Sex Trafficking resource to help you recognize the red flags and protect those you love.  As a result of her trafficking, Alia came into contact with the criminal justice system and was criminalized for her own victimization—taking the fall for her trafficker’s drug charges. Sadly, this is a common reality for many trafficking survivors. This episode highlights the urgent need for trauma-informed criminal justice responses, which can be the difference between a survivor receiving help—or being further harmed by the system. To support change, we invite you to explore our Victim Offender Intersectionality (VOI) e-learning course and share it with criminal justice professionals in your life. It’s a critical step toward ensuring that youth like Alia are seen, heard, and supported. You can also use your voice to help end the unjust criminalization of trafficking victims by contacting your legislator. It’s as easy as texting “shared Hope” to 52886 or visiting https://act.sharedhope.org/actioncenter  Following Alia’s powerful testimony, co-hosts Kim and Yvonne unpack the key takeaways from her story and introduce additional tools from Shared Hope, like our Road Map Report, to help you learn more and take action.   Don’t forget to subscribe @sharedhopeinternational,  follow us on social media, and check out invadingthedarkness.org. Visit https://invadingthedarkness.org/ Learn more about how you can take action https://sharedhope.org/justlikeme/  SUPPORT THE PODCAST https://sharedhope.org/appealforms/podcastsupport/    Now, if you’re ready, let’s invade the darkness together. Support the show Support the show Support the show

New Season, New Episode! Join us for Season 4 of Invading the Darkness—where survivor voices lead the way to justice, healing, and change. In the Season 4 premiere, host and lived experience expert Yvonne is joined by Shared Hope’s Director of Training Advancement and special guest Rita—an advocate and overcomer who shares her powerful journey as a survivor of human trafficking. When Rita realized trafficking was happening right in her own neighborhood, she couldn’t stay silent. From her own survival to now boldly speaking truth in her city, Rita is on a mission to wake up the community and restore what was stolen. Together, they explore how awareness, education, and survivor leadership are essential to ending trafficking. This episode sheds light on the urgent need for awareness at every level—from community members and educators to service providers and policymakers. Rita discusses how many young victims are misidentified or unaware they’re being trafficked, emphasizing the vital role of education in both prevention and recovery.  In this episode, you’ll hear Rita highlight real-world resources that help turn awareness into action, including Shared Hope’s JuST Training Conference and the White Van PSA and Toolkit—tools designed to equip communities and professionals with practical strategies to identify and prevent trafficking. To learn more about these impactful resources, visit SharedHope.org. This episode is a powerful reminder that change starts close to home—and it starts with us.   Don’t forget to subscribe @sharedhopeinternational,  follow us on social media, and check out invadingthedarkness.org. Visit https://invadingthedarkness.org/ Learn more about how you can take action https://sharedhope.org/justlikeme/  SUPPORT THE PODCAST https://sharedhope.org/appealforms/podcastsupport/    Now, if you’re ready, let’s invade the darkness together. Support the show Support the show