When we think of human trafficking, most of us picture kidnapping and prostitution.

But the truth is, most victims are adults who've been trafficked by people they trust and forced to work for free.

And they may or may not realize that they're being trafficked.

Amanda Blackwood is the Trauma Recovery Mentor behind Growth from Darkness, a platform where she shares her experiences as a survivor of human trafficking and helps other trauma survivors build resilience and strength.

Amanda is also an accomplished artist, author and public speaker, hosting The Survivors and Growth from Darkness podcasts.

On this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, Amanda joins Anjel to share her experiences as the victim of human trafficking, describing how she was preyed upon by people she knew and trusted.

Amanda discusses the DHS definition of human trafficking, explaining what labor, sex and organ trafficking look like and why trafficking is most prevalent in upper-middle class neighborhoods.

Listen in for Amanda's insight on asking for help if you're in an abusive situation and learn how she navigated the trauma recovery process.

What You Will Learn

Why it's a myth that human trafficking only happens to children

How Amanda's childhood trauma made her susceptible to being trafficked as an adult

How the Department of Homeland Security defines human trafficking

What labor, sex and organ trafficking look like (and which is most common)

Why trafficking in the US is most prevalent in upper-middle class neighborhoods

How most people are trafficked by people they already know and trust vs. kidnapped by traffickers

What causes a parent/grandparent to traffic their child/grandchild

Amanda's experiences with being trafficked and why she didn't recognize the signs

How Amanda got help after leaving an abusive situation

How writing her memoir allowed Amanda to heal from her trafficking experience

How Amanda helps clients recognize trauma triggers/reactions

Connect with Amanda Blackwood

Growth from Darkness

Resources

Custom Justice by Amanda Blackwood

Books by Amanda Blackwood

Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds by Anjel B. Hartwell

Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell

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