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.
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.
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.
Join us for a special season 4 pre-release episode of Invading the Darkness. Mikayla and Yvonne take a look back at how Shared Hope has been a leader in the field of anti-trafficking when addressing the issue of demand.
Talking about ending demand is the start of prevention and we want to remind listeners of the amazing work that Shared Hope has been able to accomplish for over two decades. We will always fight for the justice of survivors, but we must start by demanding justice and holing buyers accountable.
To read the full Demanding Justice Report, visit https://sharedhope.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Demanding_Justice_Report_2014.pdf
Take a closer look at what victims endure when buyers exploit minors through sex trafficking—and learn how you can be part of the solution. Access EXPLOITED training today by visiting https://store.sharedhope.org/product/exploited/
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, Kim and Yvonne reflect on Season 3 and the importance of hearing and learning from survivor voices. At the end of the episode, we hear from Shared Hope International's Director of Training Advancements, Mikayla Simeral, about the importance of training and what we can look forward to in Season 4 of the podcast.
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.
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.
Today, we will hear the second part of a powerful keynote from Shared Hope’s 2023 JuST Conference. In it, Tiffany and two members of her team share her story which exposes the justice system's failure to recognize Tiffany as a trafficking victim: An all-too-common reality for other survivors just like her.
You can use your voice to call for change and advocate for the victims still facing unjust criminalization! Contact your legislator by texting "Shared Hope" to 52886 or visit https://act.sharedhope.org/3EIafNY
Want to attend Shared Hope's JuST Training Conference and hear more inspiring and informative presentations like the one featured in this episode? Visit https://www.justconference.org/ to learn more!
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.
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.
Today, we will hear part of a powerful keynote from Shared Hope’s 2023 JuST Conference. In it, Tiffany and two members of her team share her story which exposes the justice system's failure to recognize Tiffany as a trafficking victim: An all-too-common reality for other survivors just like her.
You can use your voice to call for change and advocate for the victims still facing unjust criminalization! Contact your legislator by texting "Shared Hope" to 52886 or visit https://act.sharedhope.org/3EIafNY
Want to attend Shared Hope's JuST Training Conference and hear more inspiring and informative presentations like the one featured in this episode? Visit https://www.justconference.org/ to learn more!
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.
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.
Today, we hear from Amber, a survivor or trafficking whose life was saved thanks to the compassionate response of first responders and the support of a community rallying around her. The conversation emphasizes the critical role of training for law enforcement and advocates for the end of criminalization of juvenile victims, urging listeners to take action for justice and healing.
You can help show compassion and care to sex trafficking survivors by advocating to end the unjust criminalization of juvenile sex trafficking victims. Contact your legislator by texting "Shared Hope" to 52886 or visit https://act.sharedhope.org/3EIafNY
Support systems are crucial for the healing journey of survivors just like Amber. See how your community can better care for survivors by checking out Shared Hope's Road Map Report at https://sharedhope.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Roadmap_fordownload.pdf and sharing it with your Governor by visiting https://act.sharedhope.org/zboypEa
Want to make sure first responders in your community are trained to know the signs of trafficking? Request a training at https://sharedhope.org/takeaction/request-a-speaker/ or check out our eLearning course, RESPOND.
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.
Welcome to "Invading the Darkness: Stories from the Fight Against Child Sex Trafficking." Get your free copy of "Chosen," https://go.sharedhope.org/GiftChosen, a film by Shared Hope International that focuses on youth sex trafficking prevention. This valuable resource offers real-life stories and practical tools to raise awareness and encourage action against the trafficking of younger victims, like John-Michael.
In today's episode, 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 from John-Michael in part 2 of his incredible story.
As a young Olympic-bound athlete, John-Michael was groomed and sexually abused by prominent sports figures, highlighting the issue of demand and the need for awareness and prevention.
John-Michael's dance teacher knew the signs of trafficking and was able to break the cycle of exploitation. Do you? Download your FREE copy of CHOSEN to learn how to protect the young people in your life from exploitation. https://go.sharedhope.org/GiftChosen.
SUPPORT THE PODCAST https://sharedhope.org/donate/
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.
Welcome to "Invading the Darkness: Stories from the Fight Against Child Sex Trafficking." Get your free copy of "Chosen," https://go.sharedhope.org/GiftChosen, a Shared Hope International film focusing on youth sex trafficking prevention. This valuable resource offers real-life stories and practical tools to raise awareness and encourage action against the trafficking of younger victims, like John-Michael.
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 from John-Michael in part 1 of his incredible story.
SUPPORT THE PODCAST https://sharedhope.org/donate/
As a young Olympic-bound athlete, John-Michael was groomed and sexually abused by prominent sports figures, highlighting the issue of demand and the need for awareness and prevention.
The adults in John-Michael's life didn't have the education and awareness to see the signs of trafficking and intervene – let's change that for other boys and girls just like him. Download your FREE copy of CHOSEN to learn how to protect the young people in your life from exploitation. https://go.sharedhope.org/GiftChosen
Ready to take the next step? Request a training session or become a trained Ambassador of Hope and help us spread awareness in your community!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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/
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.