Explore every episode of the podcast Invading the Darkness: Stories from the Fight against Child Sex Trafficking

Welcome to "Invading the Darkness: Stories from the Fight Against Child Sex Trafficking," https://act.sharedhope.org/3EIafNY. Join our host, lived-experience expert Yvonne, as she interviews Survivor and Subject Matter Expect Odessa about her harrowing experiences with familial trafficking, the criminalization of minors, and the systemic failures of the legal system.
 
In this episode, Odessa shares her journey from victim to advocate, emphasizing the importance of awareness campaigns and the need for society to support survivors. The conversation highlights the complexities of trafficking and the vital role of community in supporting those who have survived exploitation.

Many child sex trafficking victims like Odessa, are unjustly prosecuted for offenses linked to their victimization. ACT NOW and help end this injustice. Text "Shared Hope" to 52886 or visit https://act.sharedhope.org/3EIafNY

Odessa also emphasizes the critical role of an informed community in recognizing the signs of trafficking. Make sure you are equipped to join the fight by downloading our free resource at https://invadingthedarkness.org/#learn-the-warning-signs, and amplify its impact by sharing it with a friend.
 
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.

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Welcome to "Invading the Darkness: Stories from the Fight Against Child Sex Trafficking,". Join our hosts, lived-experience experts Yvonne and Kim, as they discuss the stories of other survivors in the movement and share valuable insights to help you join the fight against sex trafficking.

In this episode of Invading the Darkness, we hear Michell’s incredible story. A trafficking survivor herself, she now uses her lived experience to advocate for other young trafficking victims, just like her, and fight for justice.

Many child sex trafficking victims like Michell and the youth she serves, are unjustly prosecuted for offenses linked to their victimization. ACT NOW and help end this injustice. Text "Shared Hope" to 52886 or visit https://act.sharedhope.org/3EIafNY   

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/donate/  

Now, if you’re ready, let’s invade the darkness together.

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When Sex Trafficking Victims Face Unjust Prosecution - Kim S3E5

Text Shared Hope to 52886
https://act.sharedhope.org/3EIafNY

In this gripping episode, co-host Kim shares her harrowing experience as a sex trafficking survivor. Trafficked as a minor, she faced further trauma when the system that was supposed to protect her criminalized her. Now, Kim uses her painful journey to advocate for young trafficking victims, highlighting the urgent need for legal reform and offering hope to others still working to reclaim their lives.
 
Minor trafficking victims, like Kim and others, often face criminal charges for crimes they were forced to commit due to trafficking. This injustice must be addressed. Join us in amplifying survivors’ voices and advocating for justice by contacting your legislator here: https://act.sharedhope.org/3EIafNY.

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Invading the Darkness Podcast Season 3 Episode 4
 
 Hello and welcome to Invading the Darkness: stories from the fight against child sex trafficking featuring Linda Smith, the founder of Shared Hope International.
 
 Join our hosts, lived-experience experts Yvonne and Kim, as they discuss the stories of other survivors in the movement and share valuable insights that will equip you to join in the fight against sex trafficking.
 
 In this powerful episode, our host, Yvonne and Kim, continue with our survivor, Robert, as he share his life experience with us. Roberts shared his story with Shared Hope International at this year's JuST conference.

Robert reflects on his childhood trauma, the role of faith in his healing process, and the importance of speaking out to raise awareness about trafficking, particularly for male victims. 

At Shared Hope, we train professionals to recognize the signs of human trafficking, empowering communities to identify and support victims. Explore our eLearning resources to learn more.

Many child sex trafficking victims are unjustly prosecuted for offenses linked to their victimization. Help us change this. Text "Shared Hope" to 52886 and tell your legislators: "There are Child Sex Trafficking Victims in Our Prisons!"
 
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/donate/
 
Now, if you’re ready, let’s invade the darkness together.

Support the show

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Invading the Darkness Video Podcast Season 3 Episode 2

Hello and welcome to Invading the Darkness: stories from the fight against child sex trafficking featuring Linda Smith, the founder of Shared Hope International.

Join our hosts, lived-experience experts Yvonne and Kim, as they discuss the stories of other survivors in the movement and share valuable insights that will equip you to join in the fight against sex trafficking.
 
In this powerful episode, meet your host, Yvonne, and Kim, as they listen to another survivor, Robert, share his life experience with us. Roberts shared his story with Shared Hope International at this year's JuST conference.

Robert reflects on his childhood trauma, the role of faith in his healing process, and the importance of speaking out to raise awareness about trafficking, particularly for male victims. 

At Shared Hope, we train professionals to recognize the signs of human trafficking, empowering communities to identify and support victims. Explore our eLearning resources to learn more.

Many child sex trafficking victims are unjustly prosecuted for offenses linked to their victimization. Help us change this. Text "Shared Hope" to 52886 and tell your legislators: "There are Child Sex Trafficking Victims in Our Prisons!"
 
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/donate/
 
Now, if you’re ready, let’s invade the darkness together.

Support the show

Invading the Darkness Video Podcast Season 3 Episode 1

Hello and welcome to Invading the Darkness: stories from the fight against child sex trafficking featuring Linda Smith, the founder of Shared Hope International. 

Join our hosts, lived-experience experts Yvonne and Kim, as they discuss the stories of other survivors in the movement and share valuable insights that will equip you to join in that fight against sex trafficking.
 
In this powerful episode, meet your host, Yvonne and Kim, as Yvonne shares her personal story and how it drives her work with Shared Hope International. Yvonne’s journey highlights the critical importance of recognizing the signs of human trafficking—something that could have changed her own path. At Shared Hope, we train professionals to recognize signs of human trafficking, empowering communities to identify and support victims. Explore our eLearning resources to learn more.
 
Many child sex trafficking victims, like Yvonne, are unjustly prosecuted for offenses linked to their victimization. Help us change this. Text "Shared Hope" to 52886 and tell your legislators: "There are Child Sex Trafficking Victims in Our Prisons!"
 
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/donate/
 
Now, if you’re ready, let’s invade the darkness together.

Support the show

Shared Hope International is producing a new video podcast in conjunction with the "Just Like Me" https://sharedhope.org/justlikeme/.

Watch it on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/@SharedHopeInternational/podcasts

And listen to it on all the top podcast spots.

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Coming in January 2025!

Yvonne and Kim, spokespersons for the "Just Like Me" campaign, will host survivors as they share their experiences as survivors of sex trafficking.

Visit the Just Like Me campaign page at https://sharedhope.org/justlikeme/

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Hello and welcome to Invading the Darkness: stories from the fight against child sex trafficking featuring Linda Smith, the founder of Shared Hope International. Join Linda as she shares stories from her 23 years of fighting the battle of domestic minor sex trafficking.

In this Christmas episode, hear Linda reflect on the impact of Shared Hope in light of the Christmas season! Help us continue giving life changing gifts today!

Our desire is that each episode of Invading the Darkness will help you understand the importance of fighting child sex trafficking as well as equip you to join in that fight. 

Now, if you’re ready, let’s invade the darkness together. 

Support the show

Hello and welcome to Invading the Darkness: stories from the fight against child sex trafficking featuring Linda Smith, the founder of Shared Hope International. Join Linda as she shares stories from her 23 years of fighting the battle of domestic minor sex trafficking.

In this episode, Linda shares more about Shared Hope’s approach to rescue and long-term restoration, one life at a time. You hear more of the story of Lacy’s, from Chosen.

Our desire is that each episode of Invading the Darkness will help you understand the importance of fighting child sex trafficking as well as equip you to join in that fight. 

Now, if you’re ready, let’s invade the darkness together. 

Support the show

Hello and welcome to Invading the Darkness: stories from the fight against child sex trafficking featuring Linda Smith, the founder of Shared Hope International. Join Linda as she shares stories from her 23 years of fighting the battle of domestic minor sex trafficking.

In this episode, Linda shares more about Shared Hope’s approach to rescue and long-term restoration, one life at a time. You hear the story of Shoba and her journey to healing and being reunited with her daughter Pooja. 

Our desire is that each episode of Invading the Darkness will help you understand the importance of fighting child sex trafficking as well as equip you to join in that fight. 

Now, if you’re ready, let’s invade the darkness together. 

Support the show

Hello and welcome to Invading the Darkness: stories from the fight against child sex trafficking featuring Linda Smith, the founder of Shared Hope International. Join Linda as she shares stories from her 23 years of fighting the battle of domestic minor sex trafficking.

In this episode we learn about the need for justice and the correct application of the laws that are in place.

Download Shared Hope's report cards to learn more about bringing justice to women, children and youth.

Our desire is that each episode of Invading the Darkness will help you understand the importance of fighting child sex trafficking as well as equip you to join in that fight. 

Now, if you’re ready, let’s invade the darkness together. 

Support the show

Hello and welcome to Invading the Darkness: stories from the fight against child sex trafficking featuring Linda Smith, the founder of Shared Hope International. Join Linda as she shares stories from her 23 years of fighting the battle of domestic minor sex trafficking.

In this episode, Linda and Shared Hope’s Vice President, Samantha Vardaman go into more detail about the issue of demand. You can learn more about the groundbreaking Demanding Justice Report on Shared Hope’s website. 

Our desire is that each episode of Invading the Darkness will help you understand the importance of fighting child sex trafficking as well as equip you to join in that fight. 

Now, if you’re ready, let’s invade the darkness together. 

Support the show

Hello and welcome to Invading the Darkness: stories from the fight against child sex trafficking featuring Linda Smith, the founder of Shared Hope International. Join Linda as she shares stories from her 23 years of fighting the battle of domestic minor sex trafficking.

In this episode, Yvonne shares more of her story, sharing how her criminalization impacted the rest of her life. Learn more about the types of lawns and policies we are encouraging states to address in the report card briefs to help survivors become overcomers and begin on their restoration journey.

Our desire is that each episode of Invading the Darkness will help you understand the importance of fighting child sex trafficking as well as equip you to join in that fight. 

Now, if you’re ready, let’s invade the darkness together. 

Support the show

Hello and welcome to Invading the Darkness: stories from the fight against child sex trafficking featuring Linda Smith, the founder of Shared Hope International. Join Linda as she shares stories from her 23 years of fighting the battle of domestic minor sex trafficking. 

This episode is part two in a three-part series where Linda takes you deeper into Yvonne’s story. Not only will you hear from Linda but Yvonne will be sharing as well. The story is hard to listen to but you will gain important insights into how traffickers work and what further action needs to be taken. 

Our desire is that each episode of Invading the Darkness will help you understand the importance of fighting child sex trafficking as well as equip you to join in that fight. 

Now, if you’re ready, let’s invade the darkness together. 

Support the show

Hello and welcome to Invading the Darkness: stories from the fight against child sex trafficking featuring Linda Smith, the founder of Shared Hope International. Join Linda as she shares stories from her 23 years of fighting the battle of domestic minor sex trafficking.

This episode is part one in a three-part series where Linda takes you deeper into Yvonne’s story. Not only will you hear from Linda but Yvonne will be sharing as well. The story is hard to listen to but you will gain important insights into how traffickers work and what further action needs to be taken.

Yvonne’s story highlights how important it is for criminal justice stakeholders to understand the issue of Victim Offender Intersectionality. Thanks to the generosity of Shared Hope’s donors, we are able to offer a free eLearning course that helps these legal professionals better understand child sex trafficking and how they might encounter it in their line of work. 

Our desire is that each episode of Invading the Darkness will help you understand the importance of fighting child sex trafficking as well as equip you to join in that fight. 

Now, if you’re ready, let’s invade the darkness together. 

Support the show

Hello and welcome to Invading the Darkness: stories from the fight against child sex trafficking featuring Linda Smith, the founder of Shared Hope International. Join Linda as she shares stories from her 23 years of fighting the battle of domestic minor sex trafficking.

In this episode Linda shares the process she went through to write her book, Renting Lacy.  Step into the darkness of the trafficking underworld. Meet the actual people who live there. Hear their words – and sense the terror, despair, and the hope. After listening to this episode, we invite you to listen to Renting Lacy by downloading the audiobook for free.

Our desire is that each episode of Invading the Darkness will help you understand the importance of fighting child sex trafficking as well as equip you to join in that fight. 

Now, if you’re ready, let’s invade the darkness together. 

Support the show

Hello and welcome to Invading the Darkness: stories from the fight against child sex trafficking featuring Linda Smith, the founder of Shared Hope International. Join Linda as she shares stories from her 23 years of fighting the battle of domestic minor sex trafficking.

In this episode Linda takes you deeper into the story of Zephi Trevino, a minor who was sold for sex and charged with capital murder after her trafficker shot and killed a buyer. Linda will discusses the need for an affirmative defense for all child sex trafficking victims.

Learn more about affirmative defense and the types of laws and policies that impacted this case by reviewing Shared Hope’s Report Cards on Child and Youth Sex Trafficking. Take action by urging your legislators to end the unjust incarceration of trafficking victims!  

Our desire is that each episode of Invading the Darkness will help you understand the importance of fighting child sex trafficking as well as equip you to join in that fight. 

Now, if you’re ready, let’s invade the darkness together. 

Support the show

Hello and welcome to Invading the Darkness: stories from the fight against child sex trafficking featuring Linda Smith, the founder of Shared Hope International. Join Linda as she shares stories from her 23 years of fighting the battle of domestic minor sex trafficking.

In this episode listen to the stories of two teens that were tricked into trafficking. Their stories come from Shared Hope's documentary film, Chosen. Both of these girls had good homes and goals for their lives. If it could happen to them, it can happen to your kids.

Download a free copy of Shared Hope's Chosen film.

Our desire is that each episode of Invading the Darkness will help you understand the importance of fighting child sex trafficking as well as equip you to join in that fight. 

Now, if you’re ready, let’s invade the darkness together. 

Support the show

Hello and welcome to Invading the Darkness: stories from the fight against child sex trafficking featuring Linda Smith, the founder of Shared Hope International. Join Linda as she shares stories from her 23 years of fighting the battle of domestic minor sex trafficking.
 
Have you ever paid for sex? In this episode, Linda asks that question, not to expose or shame anyone but to reveal the harsh truth behind child sex trafficking. Listen as Linda tells you the story of Lacy, a 13 year old girl coerced into a life of pain by both her trafficker and the buyers. 

Our desire is that each episode of Invading the Darkness will help you understand the importance of fighting child sex trafficking as well as equip you to join in that fight.

Now, if you’re ready, let’s invade the darkness together. 

Support the show

Hello and welcome to Invading the Darkness: stories from the fight against child sex trafficking featuring Linda Smith, the founder of Shared Hope International. Join Linda as she shares stories from her 23 years of fighting the battle of domestic minor sex trafficking.
 
In this episode, Linda shares the tender story of one survivor who was sexually exploited from the time she was 5 years old. Linda connects the dots and brings a better understanding to what victim-offender intersectionality is and how it affects survivors.

Hear more about Yvonne’s story in the first episode of Health Uncensored with Dr. Drew. 

Our desire is that each episode of Invading the Darkness will help you understand the importance of fighting child sex trafficking as well as equip you to join in that fight

Now, if you’re ready, let’s invade the darkness together. 

Support the show

Hello and welcome to Invading the Darkness: stories from the fight against child sex trafficking featuring Linda Smith, the founder of Shared Hope International. Join Linda as she shares stories from her 23 years of fighting the battle of domestic minor sex trafficking.
 
In this episode, Linda talks about the lack of true justice towards children that are trafficked and how we need to do better. She introduces what has come to be known as victim-offender intersectionality.

To learn more about victim-offender intersectionality, explore the VOI webpage and take our eLearning course! You can also see how your state can improve its response to victim-offender intersectionality by reviewing your state’s report card. 

Our desire is that each episode of Invading the Darkness will help you understand the importance of fighting child sex trafficking as well as equip you to join in that fight.

Now, if you’re ready, let’s invade the darkness together. 

Support the show

Hello and welcome to Invading the Darkness: stories from the fight against child sex trafficking featuring Linda Smith, the founder of Shared Hope International. Join Linda as she shares stories from her 23 years of fighting the battle of domestic minor sex trafficking.
 
In this episode, Linda continues talking about demand and how it is the source of all-things trafficking.

To learn more about the issue of demand, read the 2014 Demanding Justice Report.

Our desire is that each episode of Invading the Darkness will help you understand the importance of fighting child sex trafficking as well as equip you to join in that fight.

Now, if you’re ready, let’s invade the darkness together. 

Support the show

Hello and welcome to Invading the Darkness: stories from the fight against child sex trafficking featuring Linda Smith, the founder of Shared Hope International. Join Linda as she shares stories from her 23 years of fighting the battle of domestic minor sex trafficking.

In this episode, Linda shares her perspectives on rescue-oriented solutions. She contrasts rescue with restoration and explains that, in the end, complete restoration is true rescue. To learn more about restoration and our domestic WIN Program visit our website.

Our desire is that each episode of Invading the Darkness will help you understand the importance of fighting child sex trafficking as well as equip you to join in that fight.

Now, if you’re ready, let’s invade the darkness together. 

Support the show

Hello and welcome to Invading the Darkness: stories from the fight against child sex trafficking featuring Linda Smith, the founder of Shared Hope International. Join Linda as she shares stories from her 23 years of fighting the battle of domestic minor sex trafficking.
 
In this episode, Linda addresses one of the questions people often ask in the anti-trafficking movement: what about the boys.

Our desire is that each episode of Invading the Darkness will help you understand the importance of fighting child sex trafficking as well as equip you to join in that fight.

Now, if you’re ready, let’s invade the darkness together. 

Support the show

Season 1 Episode 6 Molding New Perspectives

Hello and welcome to Invading the Darkness: stories from the fight against child sex trafficking featuring Linda Smith, the founder of Shared Hope International. Join Linda as she shares stories from her 23 years of fighting the battle of domestic minor sex trafficking.
 
In this episode, you’ll experience the hope that comes when the lives of sexually exploited children are restored and healed. Listen as Linda shares the stories from survivors of child sex trafficking and how they were able to find hope in the midst of pain.

Learn more about our restorative WIN Program and our Villages of Hope check out our website. 

Our desire is that each episode of Invading the Darkness will help you understand the importance of fighting child sex trafficking as well as equip you to join in that fight.

Now, if you’re ready, let’s invade the darkness together. 

Support the show

Hello and welcome to Invading the Darkness: stories from the fight against child sex trafficking featuring Linda Smith, the founder of Shared Hope International. Join Linda as she shares stories from her 23 years of fighting the battle of domestic minor sex trafficking.

In this episode, you‘ll meet Daisy, a young girl who’s dreams of a better life were destroyed after she moved to the city. Daisy’s story isn’t so different from countless other boys and girls who have been tricked, coerced, and forced into a life they never dreamed of.  

You can read more about one of these little girls in Renu's Story! 

Our desire is that each episode of Invading the Darkness will help you understand the importance of fighting child sex trafficking as well as equip you to join in that fight.

Now, if you’re ready, let’s invade the darkness together. 

Support the show

Hello and welcome to Invading the Darkness: stories from the fight against child sex trafficking featuring Linda Smith, the founder of Shared Hope International. Join Linda as she shares stories from her 23 years of fighting the battle of domestic minor sex trafficking.

In this episode, Linda Smith shares more about the difference between those that pay for commercial sex and those that are exploited. Too often the buyers walk away never receiving any penalty for using children and the kids get treated like criminals.

To learn more about the issue of demand, check out Buyers Beware: Mobilizing to End Demand on Vimeo. See how your state is doing at addressing demand in the fight against trafficking reviewing your state’s Report Card on Child & Youth Sex Trafficking.  

Our desire is that each episode of Invading the Darkness will help you understand the importance of fighting child sex trafficking as well as equip you to join in that fight.

Now, if you’re ready, let’s invade the darkness together.

Support the show

Hello and welcome to Invading the Darkness: stories from the fight against child sex trafficking featuring Linda Smith, the founder of Shared Hope International. Join Linda as she shares stories from her 23 years of fighting the battle of domestic minor sex trafficking.

In this episode, Linda Smith will take you on a journey back to 1910 and show you how sexually trafficked children were looked upon during that time. Linda will also draw clear lines that connect culture, language, and the law.

Learn more about the historic fight against child sex trafficking in the United States by reading the Invading the Darkness book. See how your state is doing in the fight against trafficking reviewing your state’s Report Card on Child & Youth Sex Trafficking.  

Our desire is that each episode of Invading the Darkness will help you understand the importance of fighting child sex trafficking as well as equip you to join in that fight.

Now, if you’re ready, let’s invade the darkness together. 

Support the show

Hello and welcome to Invading the Darkness: stories from the fight against child sex trafficking featuring Linda Smith, the founder of Shared Hope International. Join Linda as she shares stories from her 23 years of fighting the battle of domestic minor sex trafficking.

In this episode, Linda Smith shares how she first encountered the sexual exploitation of children. Listen as she recounts the pain of that moment and the resolve that came upon her to pierce the darkness with the light of hope. 

To hear more about Linda’s fateful trip to Mumbai, and the path that led her to start Shared Hope International, get your copy of From Congress to the Brothel by Linda Smith.

Our desire is that each episode of Invading the Darkness will help you understand the importance of fighting child sex trafficking as well as equip you to join in that fight.

Now, if you’re ready, let’s invade the darkness together. 

Support the show

Hello and welcome to Invading the Darkness: stories from the fight against child sex trafficking featuring Linda Smith, the founder of Shared Hope International. Join Linda as she shares stories from her 23 years of fighting the battle of domestic minor sex trafficking. 

Our desire is that each episode of Invading the Darkness will help you understand the importance of fighting child sex trafficking as well as equip you to join in that fight. 

In this episode, Linda Smith and Samantha Vardaman talk about the importance of language and how we use it in the fight against child sex trafficking. 

You can learn more about the National Report on Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking here. To further your understanding of the issue and learn more about Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking, check out our eLearning course EXPLOITED: Understanding Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking.

Now, if you’re ready, let’s invade the darkness together. 

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