In this conversation, Becky Brouwer interviews Faith Robles, a survivor of trafficking, who shares her harrowing journey from childhood trauma to empowerment. Faith discusses her experiences with abuse, the normalization of trafficking in her community, and her eventual escape. She emphasizes the importance of advocacy, healing, and legislative efforts to support survivors. Faith also highlights her aspirations for the future, including writing a book and continuing her work in advocacy.

What you’ll Hear:

• Faith Robles is an indigenous Mayan from Chiapas, Mexico.
• She experienced child neglect and abuse from a young age.
• Trafficking is often normalized in certain communities, perpetuating a cycle of abuse.
• Faith's trafficker was also a minor, highlighting the complexity of trafficking dynamics.
• She escaped her trafficking situation in April 2014 by seeking help from the NYPD.
• Advocacy for survivors includes working on legislation to protect and support them.
• Healing from trauma is a long and complex process that requires support and understanding.
• Faith aims to write a book about her experiences to raise awareness.
• She emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and asking for help.
• Faith's future aspirations include continuing her advocacy work and reconnecting with her roots. 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Faith's Journey

02:25 Understanding Trafficking and Its Roots

05:10 The Cycle of Generational Trauma

08:15 The Complexity of Victimhood

11:04 Faith's Escape and the Role of Law Enforcement

16:42 Help from a Stranger

19:11 Faith's work with We Are PACT Survivor's Council

22:33 Learning a Language is Sendy

24:48 Discrimination of Indigenous People in Mexico

30:02 Resources for Survivors

35:56 The Journey of Healing and Support

45:47 Finding Joy in Simple Things

49:43 Addressing the Root Causes of Trafficking and The Equality Model

52:00 Future Aspirations and Advocacy

01:01:30 Rapid Fire Questions

01:06:03 Outro words and music.mp3

Sound Bites:

"I want to write a book of my story."

"I need to ask for help."

"I want to go to Disneyland."

Mentioned in the Show:

https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/sacagawea

Trata de Mujeres: De Tenancingo a Nueva York - very disturbing and only in Spanish

PACT

Dahlia’s Hope

Episode #003 - Natural Healing Roots: Lessons from a Sendy Mom with Debora Fletcher

Episode #004 - Sendy Bucket Lists with Jeanetta Robinson

Meet Me Next Christmas

Rising Strong by Brené Brown

‘I Will Never Forgive You’: Sex Trafficking Survivor Helps Put Her Captors Behind Bars by Aaron Rasmussen

Faith’s Freedom Fireside