Claim OwnershipInvading the Darkness: Stories from the Fight against Child Sex Trafficking
Subscribed: 39Played: 437
Subscribe
© 2026 Invading the Darkness: Stories from the Fight against Child Sex Trafficking
Description
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.
56 Episodes
Reverse
What does hope look like after incarceration—and who gets to define it? In this powerful episode, Brandi and Jarrett share an honest conversation about reclaiming identity, faith, and purpose after incarceration. Together, they reflect on the labels they’ve had to overcome, the strength required to rewrite harmful narratives, and the role hope plays in building a life beyond shame, stigma, and the justice system. Through vulnerability and wisdom, they speak to the importance of account...
What does healing look like when you don’t have to explain yourself? In this episode, Kathy and Angie share an honest and powerful conversation about the unique kinship formed between survivors. They explore how survivor connection creates belonging, why healing is a lifelong and deeply personal journey, and how restoration happens when safety, dignity, and community come first. Their story-centered dialogue challenges common assumptions about recovery and highlights the strength found in wal...
What if rescue isn’t the end of the story—but the beginning? In this special bonus episode, Mikayla, Director of Training at Shared Hope International, sits down to discuss STILL HOPE, a powerful new film that shines a light on long-term restoration and healing for survivors of sex trafficking. This conversation highlights the heart behind STILL HOPE; honoring survivor experiences with dignity, showing the realities of healing over time, and empowering everyday people to take mean...
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. Th...
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 m...
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 fo...
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 cu...
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 leadersh...
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 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 ...
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. Th...
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...
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...
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 ...
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 prote...
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 ...
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...
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 ...
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 hol...
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...
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States