Description In this episode of Perfect Prey, I’m joined by Jayden Posen, a survivor and advocate who shares her powerful story of coercive control, grooming, sexual violence, trafficking, and systemic failure. Jayden discusses how abuse can begin through manipulation and trust, how perpetrators use psychological tactics to gain control, and what happens when survivors speak up but the systems meant to protect them fail to listen. This conversation is a reminder of why we need to recognize grooming, understand coercive control, and take survivors seriously. What we cover • Jayden’s experiences of sexual violence and systemic failure beginning at age 14 • How “boys will be boys” normalizes harmful behavior and prevents accountability • The connection between coercive control, sexual violence, and power • How threats of self-harm can be used as a coercive control tactic • Social media, pornography, misogyny, and the influence of online personalities • Human trafficking, exploitation, and the vulnerabilities within nightlife environments • Why survivors are so often asked the wrong questions • Victim-blaming, silence, and the pressure to protect institutions and reputations • The role of bystanders and the importance of accountability • Why young people need better education around consent, boundaries, power, and healthy relationships • Jayden’s work toward the Nightlife Safety and Accountability Act Why listen Jayden’s story is a powerful reminder that abuse does not always begin with violence. It can begin with grooming, attention, manipulation, threats, and the gradual erosion of a person’s autonomy. This conversation also asks us to look beyond individual incidents and examine the systems, cultural messages, technology, and institutions that can allow abuse to continue. For parents, educators, advocates, clinicians, survivors, and anyone working with young people, this episode offers an important conversation about recognizing coercive control, challenging victim-blaming, and creating environments where accountability matters. Guest bio Jayden Posen is a survivor, advocate, and public speaker who uses her lived experience to raise awareness about sexual violence, exploitation, attempted trafficking, coercive control, and systemic failure. After experiencing repeated harm from a young age, Jayden now speaks publicly about survivor advocacy, nightlife safety, accountability, and the need for stronger protections for vulnerable people. She is also developing the Nightlife Safety and Accountability Act, a policy initiative focused on prevention, accountability, trafficking prevention, public safety, and protecting vulnerable people in nightlife environments. Connect with Jayden Instagram: @jaydenposen on Instagram Website: JaydenPosen.info Email: jaydenposen.outreach@gmail.com Learn more about Jayden’s advocacy and the Nightlife Safety and Accountability Act through her website and social media. Connect with Dr. Christine: Protective Parenting Program: Protective Parenting Program Official site: Coercive Control Consulting YouTube: Dr. Christine Cocchiola on YouTube TikTok: Dr. Christine Cocchiola on TikTok Instagram: Dr. Christine Cocchiola on Instagram TEDxTalk: It is ALL Coercive Control — TEDx Books: Framed Every Moment of Every Day If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it, subscribe for more trauma-informed conversations, and consider leaving a review. Your support helps other survivors and protective parents find information, validation, and community. — Dr. Christine Cocchiola & guest Jayden Posen
