In this powerful episode, Gerard Virga sits down with Bettie, founder of Mariposa Law Group, to explore the critical but often overlooked intersection of human trafficking and family law.

Bettie shares her journey from legal aid attorney to advocate for vulnerable populations, revealing how coercive control operates in relationships and why our legal system frequently fails trafficking survivors. The conversation delves into polyvictimization, the repeated cycles of trauma that victims experience, and how restorative justice can offer healing rather than punishment.

From understanding the symbolism behind "Mariposa" (butterfly) as transformation and empowerment to discussing the urgent need for specialized legal protections, this episode sheds light on systemic failures and the path forward for supporting survivors.

Key Topics Covered:

• Human trafficking's hidden presence in family law cases
• Coercive control as a form of domestic violence
• The importance of legal aid experience in handling vulnerable populations
• Polyvictimization and cycles of trauma
• Restorative justice approaches
• Systemic changes needed in legal protections
• Education and awareness as tools for combating trafficking

Guest Bio

Bettie is the founder of Mariposa Law Group, a practice dedicated to serving vulnerable populations affected by human trafficking and domestic violence. With extensive experience in legal aid, Bettie has dedicated her career to empowering survivors and advocating for systemic change in how the legal system addresses trafficking cases, particularly within family law contexts.

Episode Highlights

"I just did not like injustice." - Bettie on what drove her to legal aid work

"The system is not fair." - Bettie on current legal protections for trafficking victims

Timestamps

• 00:00 - Introduction to Human Trafficking in Family Law
• 04:25 - The Journey into Legal Aid and Public Service
• 08:09 - Empowering Vulnerable Populations
• 13:07 - Understanding Coercive Control
• 19:49 - The Intersection of Coercive Control and Human Trafficking
• 27:51 - Awareness and Education on Human Trafficking
• 32:33 - Understanding the Roots of Human Trafficking
• 36:25 - The Impact of Polyvictimization
• 41:39 - Restorative Justice and Its Importance
• 48:11 - The Symbolism of Mariposa: Transformation and Healing
• 54:30 - Addressing the Underlying Issues in Domestic Violence
• 58:40 - The Need for Specialized Legal Protections Against Trafficking

Mariposa Law Group 

Key Takeaways

• Human trafficking cases are frequently overlooked in family law proceedings
• Coercive control represents a significant form of domestic violence that's often misunderstood
• Legal aid experience is crucial for effectively representing vulnerable populations
• Empowering clients to make informed choices is essential for their healing journey
• Current legal systems often fail to adequately protect trafficking victims
• Polyvictimization creates ongoing cycles of trauma that require specialized intervention
• Restorative justice offers healing-focused alternatives to traditional punishment models
• The butterfly (Mariposa) symbolizes the transformation possible for survivors
• Education and public awareness are fundamental to combating human trafficking
• Comprehensive systemic change is needed to protect trafficking victims effectively

Related Topics

#HumanTrafficking #FamilyLaw #DomesticViolence #CoerciveControl #LegalAid #RestorativeJustice #VulnerablePopulations #Polyvictimization #CommunityService #SystemicChange

This episode contains discussions of human trafficking, domestic violence, and trauma. Listener discretion is advised.