In this episode of the Trafficking Free America Podcast, survivor-leader Oree Freeman sits down with Jeremy Hicks to break down one of the most practical and accessible ways communities can prevent human trafficking: Trafficking Free Zones.

This conversation clarifies what Trafficking Free Zones are (and what they are not), why you don’t need to be an expert or rescuer to make a difference, and how education, awareness, and readiness can create safer environments in businesses, churches, schools, and neighborhoods.

Drawing from lived experience and real-world implementation, Oree and Jeremy explore how prevention often begins long before trafficking occurs, why consistency matters more than heroics, and how small, informed actions can change outcomes for vulnerable people.

This episode continues the mission of Trafficking Free America—equipping everyday people with practical tools to respond to trafficking in a thoughtful, survivor-informed, and Christ-centered way.

🔗 Learn more about Trafficking Free Zones: https://USIAHT.org/TraffickingFreeZone
✝️ Become an Abolitionist: https://USIAHT.org/Abolitionist
🎧 Subscribe to Trafficking Free America for survivor-led conversations and practical ways to make a difference.

🕒 Episode Timestamps

0:00 – Introduction: why Trafficking Free Zones matter
1:06 – You don’t have to be an expert to help
2:04 – Moving from rescue myths to readiness
3:46 – Why “see something, say something” isn’t enough
5:16 – What Trafficking Free Zones actually are
7:05 – How businesses, churches, and schools can participate
9:14 – Survivor story: why consistency changes everything
11:23 – Showing up without having all the answers
13:15 – How to respond safely when you notice something
15:52 – Prevention starts before trafficking happens
18:30 – Community awareness as protection
21:12 – Everyone has a role—stop trying to do everything
24:24 – Final encouragement: readiness over heroics