Invading the Darkness: Stories from the Fight against Child Sex Trafficking

Shared Hope International
  • 4.9 (27)
  • DOCUMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Invading the Darkness: stories from the fight against child sex trafficking in the United States. This podcast features Linda Smith, the founder of Shared Hope International, sharing stories from her 23 years of fighting the battle of domestic minor sex trafficking. In 2025, "Invading the Darkness" will introduce a video element to its podcast, featuring hosts Yvonne and Kim, who are survivors of sex trafficking and advocates for the Just Like Me campaign. Yvonne and Kim will share their life experiences, insights, and narratives from other survivors.Our desire is that each episode will help you better understand the importance of fighting child sexual exploitation in the United States. 

  1. Pt 2. The Brain Remembers: Stephanie on Trauma, Healing, and Hope S4E14

    SEP 9

    Pt 2. The Brain Remembers: Stephanie on Trauma, Healing, and Hope S4E14

    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

    29 min
  2. Pt. 1 The Brain Remembers: Stephanie on Trauma, Healing, and Hope S4E13

    SEP 2

    Pt. 1 The Brain Remembers: Stephanie on Trauma, Healing, and Hope S4E13

    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

    30 min
  3. Anne's Advocacy: Working with Indigenous Populations using Culturally Competent Community Resources S4E12

    AUG 26

    Anne's Advocacy: Working with Indigenous Populations using Culturally Competent Community Resources S4E12

    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

    27 min
  4. Sequoia’s Story: From Misjudged to Empowered — A Fight for Justice and the Power of Being Seen S4E11

    AUG 19

    Sequoia’s Story: From Misjudged to Empowered — A Fight for Justice and the Power of Being Seen S4E11

    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

    14 min
  5. Pt. 2 Courtney & Brent: The Trauma of Victimization, Criminalization, and the Road to Justice S4E10

    AUG 12

    Pt. 2 Courtney & Brent: The Trauma of Victimization, Criminalization, and the Road to Justice S4E10

    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

    18 min
  6. Pt. 1 Courtney & Brent: The Trauma of Victimization, Criminalization, and the Road to Justice S4E9

    AUG 5

    Pt. 1 Courtney & Brent: The Trauma of Victimization, Criminalization, and the Road to Justice S4E9

    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

    17 min
  7. When Joy Feels Unsafe: Ashley's Story of Trauma, Healing, and the Power of Aftercare S4E8

    JUL 29

    When Joy Feels Unsafe: Ashley's Story of Trauma, Healing, and the Power of Aftercare S4E8

    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

    37 min
  8. Breaking the Cycle: Barb's Story of Survivor-Led Healing and the Path to Justice S4E7

    JUL 22

    Breaking the Cycle: Barb's Story of Survivor-Led Healing and the Path to Justice S4E7

    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

    21 min
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Welcome to Invading the Darkness: stories from the fight against child sex trafficking in the United States. This podcast features Linda Smith, the founder of Shared Hope International, sharing stories from her 23 years of fighting the battle of domestic minor sex trafficking. In 2025, "Invading the Darkness" will introduce a video element to its podcast, featuring hosts Yvonne and Kim, who are survivors of sex trafficking and advocates for the Just Like Me campaign. Yvonne and Kim will share their life experiences, insights, and narratives from other survivors.Our desire is that each episode will help you better understand the importance of fighting child sexual exploitation in the United States. 

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