1 00:00:00,792 --> 00:00:01,751 Thank you for tuning 2 00:00:01,751 --> 00:00:03,253 in to Voices for Freedom, 3 00:00:03,253 --> 00:00:05,588 an Anti-Human Trafficking podcast. 4 00:00:05,588 --> 00:00:06,589 We want to acknowledge 5 00:00:06,589 --> 00:00:07,882 that the content we discuss 6 00:00:07,882 --> 00:00:09,551 can be emotionally challenging 7 00:00:09,551 --> 00:00:11,845 and may evoke strong reactions. 8 00:00:11,845 --> 00:00:12,387 The stories 9 00:00:12,387 --> 00:00:13,596 we share often delve 10 00:00:13,596 --> 00:00:14,764 into tough subjects 11 00:00:14,764 --> 00:00:16,558 related to human trafficking, 12 00:00:16,558 --> 00:00:17,559 which may be difficult 13 00:00:17,559 --> 00:00:19,310 for some listeners to hear. 14 00:00:19,310 --> 00:00:21,021 Our goal is to raise awareness 15 00:00:21,021 --> 00:00:21,521 and promote 16 00:00:21,521 --> 00:00:23,398 understanding of the complexities 17 00:00:23,398 --> 00:00:25,400 surrounding human trafficking. 18 00:00:25,400 --> 00:00:28,403 Listener discretion is advised. 19 00:00:33,283 --> 00:00:34,576 Coming up on Voices 20 00:00:34,576 --> 00:00:35,243 for Freedom, 21 00:00:35,243 --> 00:00:37,996 an Anti-Trafficking Podcast: 22 00:00:37,996 --> 00:00:38,413 I remember 23 00:00:38,413 --> 00:00:40,832 they showed this girl - 24 00:00:40,832 --> 00:00:42,667 I believe she was 14 - 25 00:00:42,667 --> 00:00:44,252 and this guy 26 00:00:44,252 --> 00:00:45,128 had just tried to pay 27 00:00:45,128 --> 00:00:46,588 for sex with her. 28 00:00:46,588 --> 00:00:48,631 And he got a ticket 29 00:00:48,631 --> 00:00:49,966 and went home to his wife. 30 00:00:49,966 --> 00:00:51,676 And she went to jail 31 00:00:51,676 --> 00:00:52,594 and had all these things 32 00:00:52,594 --> 00:00:53,470 put in place, where now 33 00:00:53,470 --> 00:00:54,262 she had to go 34 00:00:54,262 --> 00:00:55,430 through the whole process. 35 00:00:55,430 --> 00:00:58,183 And I just sat there thinking, 36 00:00:58,183 --> 00:01:00,685 "Why are the laws so lenient 37 00:01:00,685 --> 00:01:02,437 that these guys are willing to risk 38 00:01:02,437 --> 00:01:04,814 that?" And I was really just 39 00:01:04,814 --> 00:01:05,857 full of emotion. 40 00:01:05,857 --> 00:01:06,524 I think he 41 00:01:06,524 --> 00:01:07,817 should have had a sign put in his yard 42 00:01:07,817 --> 00:01:08,109 that said, 43 00:01:08,109 --> 00:01:10,195 "I like to pay for sex with girls." 44 00:01:15,283 --> 00:01:15,742 Welcome 45 00:01:15,742 --> 00:01:17,077 to Voices For Freedom, 46 00:01:17,077 --> 00:01:19,245 an Anti-Trafficking Podcast. 47 00:01:19,245 --> 00:01:20,622 I'm so excited today 48 00:01:20,622 --> 00:01:22,123 because I get the opportunity 49 00:01:22,123 --> 00:01:23,708 to talk to June, 50 00:01:23,708 --> 00:01:25,627 who is the chairman of our Survivor 51 00:01:25,627 --> 00:01:26,795 Advisory Board 52 00:01:26,795 --> 00:01:28,505 and helps us make very important 53 00:01:28,505 --> 00:01:29,380 decisions, 54 00:01:29,380 --> 00:01:31,883 leads us on how to engage 55 00:01:31,883 --> 00:01:32,801 with survivors 56 00:01:32,801 --> 00:01:33,718 and to helping them 57 00:01:33,718 --> 00:01:36,221 have the best quality care. 58 00:01:36,221 --> 00:01:38,765 And June is willing to come today 59 00:01:38,765 --> 00:01:40,475 and to share her story. 60 00:01:40,475 --> 00:01:42,769 Her story's impactful. It's powerful. 61 00:01:42,769 --> 00:01:44,312 And I think that everybody 62 00:01:44,312 --> 00:01:45,772 will learn a lot 63 00:01:45,772 --> 00:01:47,482 from just listening to her 64 00:01:47,482 --> 00:01:48,650 and sitting at her feet 65 00:01:48,650 --> 00:01:50,360 and learning from her wisdom. 66 00:01:50,360 --> 00:01:50,819 June, 67 00:01:50,819 --> 00:01:51,569 thank you so much 68 00:01:51,569 --> 00:01:52,487 for being here today. 69 00:01:52,487 --> 00:01:55,031 - Hey, Jess. I'm excited to be here. 70 00:01:55,031 --> 00:01:56,074 - Yeah, anytime 71 00:01:56,074 --> 00:01:56,866 we get to sit down 72 00:01:56,866 --> 00:01:57,909 and have a conversation, 73 00:01:57,909 --> 00:01:59,244 I always have a good time. 74 00:01:59,244 --> 00:02:01,913 - Me too. Me too. And I - 75 00:02:01,913 --> 00:02:04,249 I'm really looking forward to sharing 76 00:02:04,249 --> 00:02:06,918 what trafficking is [and] put kind of a real 77 00:02:06,918 --> 00:02:09,295 face to it. 78 00:02:09,295 --> 00:02:10,630 Because I wouldn't know if 79 00:02:10,630 --> 00:02:12,465 you would have asked me years ago, 80 00:02:12,465 --> 00:02:16,511 up until I was grown and I had kids. 81 00:02:16,511 --> 00:02:19,097 I had no idea what trafficking 82 00:02:19,097 --> 00:02:20,265 was, really. 83 00:02:20,265 --> 00:02:23,852 Much less that I was trafficked. 84 00:02:23,852 --> 00:02:25,603 - Which is an incredible story, June, 85 00:02:25,603 --> 00:02:26,729 and I'm really grateful 86 00:02:26,729 --> 00:02:27,313 that you're willing 87 00:02:27,313 --> 00:02:29,023 to share your story today 88 00:02:29,023 --> 00:02:29,983 because, like you said, 89 00:02:29,983 --> 00:02:31,651 I think you're going to help educate 90 00:02:31,651 --> 00:02:34,904 so many people on what trafficking is 91 00:02:34,904 --> 00:02:37,365 and even maybe people like you 92 00:02:37,365 --> 00:02:37,991 that didn't know 93 00:02:37,991 --> 00:02:39,033 that you were trafficked. 94 00:02:39,033 --> 00:02:41,327 So, June, first, 95 00:02:41,327 --> 00:02:42,245 thank you for being willing 96 00:02:42,245 --> 00:02:43,288 to share your story. 97 00:02:43,288 --> 00:02:45,665 And why don't you tell us, 98 00:02:45,665 --> 00:02:48,084 how did you find out 99 00:02:48,084 --> 00:02:51,254 that you had been trafficked? 100 00:02:51,254 --> 00:02:53,798 - Well, I was grown. 101 00:02:53,798 --> 00:02:54,883 it's about 10 years ago, 102 00:02:54,883 --> 00:02:56,050 and I had decided 103 00:02:56,050 --> 00:02:57,468 to go back to school. 104 00:02:57,468 --> 00:02:59,220 My kids were older, 105 00:02:59,220 --> 00:03:00,013 and I had some time, 106 00:03:00,013 --> 00:03:03,057 so I went back to school. 107 00:03:03,057 --> 00:03:04,267 And I was at university, 108 00:03:04,267 --> 00:03:06,728 and one day my class was canceled, 109 00:03:06,728 --> 00:03:07,937 and I had this span 110 00:03:07,937 --> 00:03:08,980 of about three hours 111 00:03:08,980 --> 00:03:10,398 that I could waste. 112 00:03:10,398 --> 00:03:12,525 And so, I was wandering around campus, 113 00:03:12,525 --> 00:03:13,651 and then I saw a sign that said 114 00:03:13,651 --> 00:03:15,778 there was a free viewing for a movie. 115 00:03:15,778 --> 00:03:17,113 I thought, "Perfect! 116 00:03:17,113 --> 00:03:18,114 I can go watch a movie. 117 00:03:18,114 --> 00:03:19,157 I can do that." 118 00:03:19,157 --> 00:03:20,200 So I kind of wandered 119 00:03:20,200 --> 00:03:22,118 in this auditorium 120 00:03:22,118 --> 00:03:23,203 right as the lights were kind of 121 00:03:23,203 --> 00:03:26,581 going down, and I went in and sat down. 122 00:03:26,581 --> 00:03:27,582 And the movie 123 00:03:27,582 --> 00:03:28,875 was actually a documentary, 124 00:03:28,875 --> 00:03:31,544 and it was about sex trafficking. 125 00:03:31,544 --> 00:03:33,171 It was called "Sex + Money," 126 00:03:33,171 --> 00:03:35,256 and it was all about 127 00:03:35,256 --> 00:03:36,674 this group of college kids 128 00:03:36,674 --> 00:03:37,717 that went around the U.S. 129 00:03:37,717 --> 00:03:39,886 to raise awareness 130 00:03:39,886 --> 00:03:40,970 and shine a light on - 131 00:03:40,970 --> 00:03:42,222 this is happening everywhere, 132 00:03:42,222 --> 00:03:43,181 in our own backyards, 133 00:03:43,181 --> 00:03:45,058 in every community. 134 00:03:45,058 --> 00:03:46,768 And so, I thought, "Well, 135 00:03:46,768 --> 00:03:50,230 okay. Let's watch this." And I spent 136 00:03:50,230 --> 00:03:51,231 the whole first half 137 00:03:51,231 --> 00:03:52,440 of that documentary - 138 00:03:52,440 --> 00:03:54,317 I slowly started seeing, 139 00:03:54,317 --> 00:03:56,486 "Oh, wait. That's for trafficking is." 140 00:03:56,486 --> 00:03:58,529 And then I started to identify 141 00:03:58,529 --> 00:04:00,198 with the people they were showing. 142 00:04:00,198 --> 00:04:04,994 This girl was abused and raped and 143 00:04:04,994 --> 00:04:07,247 a family member profited from that. 144 00:04:07,247 --> 00:04:08,915 And then, they would show a girl 145 00:04:08,915 --> 00:04:11,209 that ended up going on the street 146 00:04:11,209 --> 00:04:11,834 because she was kicked 147 00:04:11,834 --> 00:04:13,086 out of her home, 148 00:04:13,086 --> 00:04:14,170 and someone who said 149 00:04:14,170 --> 00:04:15,755 they cared about her 150 00:04:15,755 --> 00:04:16,965 ended up exploiting her 151 00:04:16,965 --> 00:04:17,799 and betraying her. 152 00:04:17,799 --> 00:04:19,425 And slowly 153 00:04:19,425 --> 00:04:22,262 I started realizing, "Oh my gosh. 154 00:04:22,262 --> 00:04:23,680 That's part of my story." 155 00:04:23,680 --> 00:04:25,431 And I started connecting - 156 00:04:25,431 --> 00:04:27,517 if that's what trafficking is, 157 00:04:27,517 --> 00:04:31,271 that means I was trafficked, and 158 00:04:31,271 --> 00:04:32,397 I tried really hard 159 00:04:32,397 --> 00:04:33,940 to wrap my head around that. 160 00:04:33,940 --> 00:04:34,941 And then the whole second 161 00:04:34,941 --> 00:04:37,986 half of that documentary, 162 00:04:37,986 --> 00:04:38,319 I got 163 00:04:38,319 --> 00:04:41,531 really upset because they were showing - 164 00:04:41,531 --> 00:04:43,825 these girls were getting arrested 165 00:04:43,825 --> 00:04:46,327 and put in these positions where 166 00:04:46,327 --> 00:04:48,037 it affected them long term. 167 00:04:48,037 --> 00:04:51,207 And these men, I remember they 168 00:04:51,207 --> 00:04:52,709 showed this girl - 169 00:04:52,709 --> 00:04:54,585 and I believe she was 14 - 170 00:04:54,585 --> 00:04:56,129 and this guy 171 00:04:56,129 --> 00:04:57,046 had just tried to pay 172 00:04:57,046 --> 00:05:00,508 for sex with her. And he got a ticket 173 00:05:00,508 --> 00:05:03,720 and went home to his wife. And 174 00:05:03,720 --> 00:05:04,762 she went to jail 175 00:05:04,762 --> 00:05:05,680 and had all these things 176 00:05:05,680 --> 00:05:06,556 put in place, where now 177 00:05:06,556 --> 00:05:07,307 she had to go 178 00:05:07,307 --> 00:05:08,516 through the whole process. 179 00:05:08,516 --> 00:05:11,227 And I just sat there thinking, 180 00:05:11,227 --> 00:05:13,813 "Why are the laws so lenient 181 00:05:13,813 --> 00:05:14,647 that these guys 182 00:05:14,647 --> 00:05:15,732 are willing to risk that?" 183 00:05:15,732 --> 00:05:17,942 And I was really just 184 00:05:17,942 --> 00:05:18,860 full of emotion 185 00:05:18,860 --> 00:05:21,487 and trying to take all of this in 186 00:05:21,487 --> 00:05:22,697 and getting frustrated 187 00:05:22,697 --> 00:05:24,615 at what wasn't happening. 188 00:05:24,615 --> 00:05:27,118 - So the man buying her got a ticket? 189 00:05:27,118 --> 00:05:28,703 - Yeah, I remember they showed this - 190 00:05:28,703 --> 00:05:30,121 they showed a hotel 191 00:05:30,121 --> 00:05:31,205 and all these doors. 192 00:05:31,205 --> 00:05:32,749 And this girl, I remember she was - 193 00:05:32,749 --> 00:05:34,584 I think she was 15. 194 00:05:34,584 --> 00:05:36,252 But they showed her there, 195 00:05:36,252 --> 00:05:37,003 and this guy had come 196 00:05:37,003 --> 00:05:37,920 to knock on the door, 197 00:05:37,920 --> 00:05:38,921 and they'd arranged for him 198 00:05:38,921 --> 00:05:40,506 to pay for sex with her. 199 00:05:40,506 --> 00:05:44,427 And he got a ticket and went home. 200 00:05:44,427 --> 00:05:46,804 And I remember - 201 00:05:46,804 --> 00:05:48,097 I think he should have had a sign 202 00:05:48,097 --> 00:05:48,681 put in his yard 203 00:05:48,681 --> 00:05:49,057 that said, "I 204 00:05:49,057 --> 00:05:51,434 like to pay for sex with girls." 205 00:05:51,434 --> 00:05:52,477 I still think that might 206 00:05:52,477 --> 00:05:55,063 be a good way to go. 207 00:05:55,063 --> 00:05:56,105 So, I 208 00:05:56,105 --> 00:05:56,856 was just really 209 00:05:56,856 --> 00:05:57,732 connecting with, "Oh 210 00:05:57,732 --> 00:05:59,859 my gosh, this happened to me. 211 00:05:59,859 --> 00:06:01,486 And why is this happening? 212 00:06:01,486 --> 00:06:03,446 Why are we not doing more?" 213 00:06:03,446 --> 00:06:05,281 So when the movie was ending, 214 00:06:05,281 --> 00:06:05,615 I thought, "I 215 00:06:05,615 --> 00:06:06,908 just gotta get out of here." 216 00:06:06,908 --> 00:06:08,493 Still trying to wrap my head around 217 00:06:08,493 --> 00:06:09,702 what I had just witnessed 218 00:06:09,702 --> 00:06:14,082 and the realization of, "Oh my gosh. 219 00:06:14,082 --> 00:06:16,626 That means I was trafficked." And 220 00:06:16,626 --> 00:06:19,295 I stood up to leave, and 221 00:06:19,295 --> 00:06:20,797 the lights went on, but nobody moved. 222 00:06:20,797 --> 00:06:21,589 And I missed 223 00:06:21,589 --> 00:06:22,840 the opening of the documentary 224 00:06:22,840 --> 00:06:24,092 where they said 225 00:06:24,092 --> 00:06:25,510 the filmmakers were there. 226 00:06:25,510 --> 00:06:26,386 So up at the front, 227 00:06:26,386 --> 00:06:27,178 there was a stage, 228 00:06:27,178 --> 00:06:29,597 and they kind of filed on the stage, 229 00:06:29,597 --> 00:06:31,015 and it was these students 230 00:06:31,015 --> 00:06:31,724 that had toured 231 00:06:31,724 --> 00:06:32,683 and made the documentary, 232 00:06:32,683 --> 00:06:36,354 and then a couple of guys in suits and 233 00:06:36,354 --> 00:06:37,688 people started asking questions 234 00:06:37,688 --> 00:06:39,399 like a forum, an open forum. 235 00:06:39,399 --> 00:06:43,027 And I was just kind of in my own head, 236 00:06:43,027 --> 00:06:43,986 wasn't paying attention 237 00:06:43,986 --> 00:06:46,948 until a girl over on my - on this side - 238 00:06:46,948 --> 00:06:48,699 stood up and said - 239 00:06:48,699 --> 00:06:49,784 I'm going to use the voice too 240 00:06:49,784 --> 00:06:51,494 because this is what it sounded [like]. 241 00:06:51,494 --> 00:06:52,328 She said, "I 242 00:06:52,328 --> 00:06:53,454 just want to say, 243 00:06:53,454 --> 00:06:54,372 if these girls 244 00:06:54,372 --> 00:06:56,833 would have just dressed modestly..." 245 00:06:56,833 --> 00:06:58,084 And I'm not even sure 246 00:06:58,084 --> 00:06:59,168 what she said after that 247 00:06:59,168 --> 00:07:03,881 because I was so enraged. 248 00:07:03,881 --> 00:07:04,424 Like, 249 00:07:04,424 --> 00:07:05,800 I was so upset 250 00:07:05,800 --> 00:07:07,635 and just could not believe 251 00:07:07,635 --> 00:07:09,595 the ignorance 252 00:07:09,595 --> 00:07:12,432 and the thought that, "Really?" 253 00:07:12,432 --> 00:07:13,349 And I must have been 254 00:07:13,349 --> 00:07:14,475 showing it physically 255 00:07:14,475 --> 00:07:16,519 because that's when I heard 256 00:07:16,519 --> 00:07:17,812 a voice say, "You up there. 257 00:07:17,812 --> 00:07:18,855 Do you have something to say? 258 00:07:18,855 --> 00:07:20,022 Do you have a question?" 259 00:07:20,022 --> 00:07:21,607 And I saw people turn and look at me, 260 00:07:21,607 --> 00:07:22,358 and I guess I had been 261 00:07:22,358 --> 00:07:24,485 just bouncing up and down. 262 00:07:24,485 --> 00:07:26,237 And all of a sudden, 263 00:07:26,237 --> 00:07:27,738 I just thought, "Yeah, 264 00:07:27,738 --> 00:07:29,323 I got something to say." And I stood 265 00:07:29,323 --> 00:07:31,534 up, said a few words to 266 00:07:31,534 --> 00:07:34,036 the girl over here, and then 267 00:07:34,036 --> 00:07:34,412 I just 268 00:07:34,412 --> 00:07:37,665 said, "If this is what trafficking is - 269 00:07:37,665 --> 00:07:41,919 if trafficking is being exploited, 270 00:07:41,919 --> 00:07:43,379 taken advantage of, 271 00:07:43,379 --> 00:07:44,088 put in a position 272 00:07:44,088 --> 00:07:47,758 where you are having sex with someone 273 00:07:47,758 --> 00:07:49,927 against your will without knowing, 274 00:07:49,927 --> 00:07:50,595 and someone else 275 00:07:50,595 --> 00:07:52,555 is profiting on that - 276 00:07:52,555 --> 00:07:54,098 then I was trafficked. 277 00:07:54,098 --> 00:07:56,184 And I was trafficked by my mother." 278 00:07:56,184 --> 00:07:58,269 And 279 00:07:58,269 --> 00:07:59,020 that was the first time 280 00:07:59,020 --> 00:08:00,813 I'd even said it out loud, much 281 00:08:00,813 --> 00:08:02,607 less realized, "Oh my gosh. 282 00:08:02,607 --> 00:08:04,692 This is what it's called." 283 00:08:04,692 --> 00:08:06,235 And 284 00:08:06,235 --> 00:08:07,069 then I got upset 285 00:08:07,069 --> 00:08:08,154 with the guys in the suits 286 00:08:08,154 --> 00:08:09,030 and said, "Why 287 00:08:09,030 --> 00:08:10,031 aren't you doing something? 288 00:08:10,031 --> 00:08:12,074 We put you in this position. 289 00:08:12,074 --> 00:08:14,952 We've basically hired you. 290 00:08:14,952 --> 00:08:16,370 Do your job. 291 00:08:16,370 --> 00:08:18,623 Why are the laws so lenient 292 00:08:18,623 --> 00:08:20,708 that these men are willing 293 00:08:20,708 --> 00:08:21,792 to risk everything?" Like, 294 00:08:21,792 --> 00:08:22,668 it's not a big deal. 295 00:08:22,668 --> 00:08:24,962 They go home to their wives, 296 00:08:24,962 --> 00:08:28,216 and these girls continue on with 297 00:08:28,216 --> 00:08:29,300 obvious trauma 298 00:08:29,300 --> 00:08:31,385 and having to go to court 299 00:08:31,385 --> 00:08:34,096 and being scared and exploited. 300 00:08:34,096 --> 00:08:35,556 And it's - 301 00:08:35,556 --> 00:08:40,102 the court system is a crazy cycle of 302 00:08:40,102 --> 00:08:41,771 so much trauma and emotion. 303 00:08:41,771 --> 00:08:45,066 And I was just furious 304 00:08:45,066 --> 00:08:47,026 that nothing was being done, 305 00:08:47,026 --> 00:08:48,069 that I felt 306 00:08:48,069 --> 00:08:50,613 justified them in the position 307 00:08:50,613 --> 00:08:51,948 where they can change the laws 308 00:08:51,948 --> 00:08:54,242 or fight 309 00:08:54,242 --> 00:08:57,828 to make the laws tougher or stronger. 310 00:08:57,828 --> 00:08:59,080 And then I sat down, 311 00:08:59,080 --> 00:09:01,749 and the place kind of erupted. 312 00:09:01,749 --> 00:09:02,667 And I just wanted to get out of 313 00:09:02,667 --> 00:09:05,086 there again. 314 00:09:05,086 --> 00:09:06,254 And it was a lot. 315 00:09:06,254 --> 00:09:07,380 I hadn't said anything out 316 00:09:07,380 --> 00:09:09,382 loud before, 317 00:09:09,382 --> 00:09:10,967 even to myself. 318 00:09:10,967 --> 00:09:13,302 - That's a lot to even state 319 00:09:13,302 --> 00:09:14,470 for the very first time 320 00:09:14,470 --> 00:09:16,347 in front of that audience. 321 00:09:16,347 --> 00:09:19,809 And that really was that realization [of], 322 00:09:20,059 --> 00:09:22,687 "I'm watching what I've been through." 323 00:09:22,687 --> 00:09:24,522 And we are going 324 00:09:24,522 --> 00:09:25,815 to take a short break, 325 00:09:25,815 --> 00:09:26,941 and then we're going to come back, 326 00:09:26,941 --> 00:09:28,901 and we're going to hear more about 327 00:09:28,901 --> 00:09:30,111 June's story 328 00:09:30,111 --> 00:09:31,445 and what she's been 329 00:09:31,445 --> 00:09:33,239 through specifically. 330 00:09:33,239 --> 00:09:34,240 And we're really grateful 331 00:09:34,240 --> 00:09:35,408 that June is going 332 00:09:35,408 --> 00:09:37,660 to be willing to share that. 333 00:09:37,660 --> 00:09:38,661 But can you imagine 334 00:09:38,661 --> 00:09:40,955 you're sitting in an auditorium, 335 00:09:40,955 --> 00:09:43,332 you're watching a documentary, 336 00:09:43,332 --> 00:09:44,709 and then you realize 337 00:09:44,709 --> 00:09:46,502 that the documentary 338 00:09:46,502 --> 00:09:48,421 is about your life 339 00:09:48,421 --> 00:09:49,422 and the trauma 340 00:09:49,422 --> 00:09:50,923 that you've been through, 341 00:09:50,923 --> 00:09:52,925 and there starts to become vocabulary 342 00:09:52,925 --> 00:09:54,552 around that and words around that 343 00:09:54,552 --> 00:09:56,053 and what that's like? 344 00:09:56,053 --> 00:09:57,805 That's what June went through. 345 00:09:57,805 --> 00:09:59,515 We're so grateful for her sharing. 346 00:09:59,515 --> 00:10:00,933 And we're going to take a short break, 347 00:10:00,933 --> 00:10:02,226 and we'll be right back. 348 00:10:03,311 --> 00:10:05,313 I want to thank today's sponsor, 349 00:10:05,313 --> 00:10:06,939 the OUR Rescue Store, 350 00:10:06,939 --> 00:10:09,025 for supporting this podcast. 351 00:10:09,025 --> 00:10:10,276 Did you know that 352 00:10:10,276 --> 00:10:11,986 [the] OUR Rescue Store 353 00:10:11,986 --> 00:10:14,488 features survivor-made items? 354 00:10:14,488 --> 00:10:15,823 In this critical fight, 355 00:10:15,823 --> 00:10:18,701 they serve as symbols of hope. 356 00:10:18,701 --> 00:10:19,493 By choosing 357 00:10:19,493 --> 00:10:20,828 to purchase one of these 358 00:10:20,828 --> 00:10:23,039 beautifully handmade items, 359 00:10:23,039 --> 00:10:25,374 you will impact the healing journey 360 00:10:25,374 --> 00:10:26,709 of survivors 361 00:10:26,709 --> 00:10:28,919 and help them reclaim 362 00:10:28,919 --> 00:10:31,005 their lives in the process. 363 00:10:31,005 --> 00:10:32,590 We encourage you to shop 364 00:10:32,590 --> 00:10:34,508 survivor-made items on the 365 00:10:34,508 --> 00:10:36,385 OUR Rescue website. 366 00:10:36,385 --> 00:10:38,888 It might only be a few dollars to you, 367 00:10:38,888 --> 00:10:40,681 but it makes a world of difference 368 00:10:40,681 --> 00:10:41,766 to them. 369 00:10:41,766 --> 00:10:43,684 And, in case you need 370 00:10:43,684 --> 00:10:45,519 any extra motivation, 371 00:10:45,519 --> 00:10:49,482 use promo code Voices10 for 10% off 372 00:10:49,482 --> 00:10:53,653 your purchase at store.ourrescue.org. 373 00:10:53,653 --> 00:10:55,613 That's Voices10 374 00:10:55,613 --> 00:10:59,825 at store.ourrescue.org. 375 00:10:59,825 --> 00:11:02,328 Welcome back to Voices for Freedom, 376 00:11:02,328 --> 00:11:04,121 an Anti-Trafficking Podcast. 377 00:11:04,121 --> 00:11:05,206 I'm here with June, 378 00:11:05,206 --> 00:11:06,248 who is the chairman 379 00:11:06,248 --> 00:11:08,626 of OUR Rescue's [Survivor Advisory] board. 380 00:11:08,626 --> 00:11:09,919 And she helps us 381 00:11:09,919 --> 00:11:13,172 with all the survivor advisory care 382 00:11:13,172 --> 00:11:14,215 and what to do 383 00:11:14,215 --> 00:11:15,174 and how to provide 384 00:11:15,174 --> 00:11:16,425 the best quality of service. 385 00:11:16,425 --> 00:11:17,968 So June, thank you again 386 00:11:17,968 --> 00:11:19,512 for being here. 387 00:11:19,512 --> 00:11:20,346 - Absolutely. 388 00:11:20,346 --> 00:11:22,390 Thank you for sharing your story. 389 00:11:22,390 --> 00:11:24,183 And what a powerful story of, 390 00:11:24,183 --> 00:11:26,102 "I was an adult 391 00:11:26,102 --> 00:11:27,687 when I realized what happened to me 392 00:11:27,687 --> 00:11:28,979 as a child." 393 00:11:28,979 --> 00:11:30,106 And I know that 394 00:11:30,106 --> 00:11:31,440 that is some people's story 395 00:11:31,440 --> 00:11:32,733 because trafficking 396 00:11:32,733 --> 00:11:34,485 wasn't a conversation 397 00:11:34,485 --> 00:11:36,070 when I was a kid. 398 00:11:36,070 --> 00:11:36,862 - And I was a kid 399 00:11:36,862 --> 00:11:37,738 way longer 400 00:11:37,738 --> 00:11:39,907 and farther back than you were. 401 00:11:39,907 --> 00:11:41,200 There wasn't a name for it. 402 00:11:41,200 --> 00:11:45,121 So as intense as that was, 403 00:11:45,121 --> 00:11:46,664 what really stuck with me 404 00:11:46,664 --> 00:11:48,791 was what happened next. 405 00:11:48,791 --> 00:11:50,960 I just want to leave, again. 406 00:11:50,960 --> 00:11:52,086 But I got up to leave, 407 00:11:52,086 --> 00:11:53,921 and there was a boy way off 408 00:11:53,921 --> 00:11:54,422 in the corner 409 00:11:54,422 --> 00:11:56,215 that locked eyes with me. 410 00:11:56,215 --> 00:11:59,051 And he looked - 411 00:11:59,051 --> 00:12:00,761 you could tell he'd had a rough life - 412 00:12:00,761 --> 00:12:03,222 had kind of long, 413 00:12:03,222 --> 00:12:04,598 kind of greasy hair. 414 00:12:04,598 --> 00:12:04,724 And I 415 00:12:04,724 --> 00:12:06,100 remember he had eyeliner on, 416 00:12:06,100 --> 00:12:07,476 and he had these gloves 417 00:12:07,476 --> 00:12:08,602 that the tips of the fingers 418 00:12:08,602 --> 00:12:09,812 were sticking out. 419 00:12:09,812 --> 00:12:12,356 And he looked like - 420 00:12:12,356 --> 00:12:13,524 if someone walked by you, 421 00:12:13,524 --> 00:12:14,817 if he walked by you 422 00:12:14,817 --> 00:12:15,484 on the sidewalk, 423 00:12:15,484 --> 00:12:15,943 you might move 424 00:12:15,943 --> 00:12:18,279 your purse to the other side. 425 00:12:18,279 --> 00:12:20,364 But he locked eyes with me from, 426 00:12:20,364 --> 00:12:20,656 you know, 427 00:12:20,656 --> 00:12:21,449 way over on the other 428 00:12:21,449 --> 00:12:22,324 side of the auditorium. 429 00:12:22,324 --> 00:12:25,411 And he did not break eye contact. 430 00:12:25,411 --> 00:12:27,163 And he slowly made his way to me. 431 00:12:27,163 --> 00:12:28,581 And I'm in stadium seating. 432 00:12:28,581 --> 00:12:29,874 I can't go anywhere. 433 00:12:29,874 --> 00:12:32,501 So I just kind of stood and waited. 434 00:12:32,501 --> 00:12:34,378 And he came down the aisle. 435 00:12:34,378 --> 00:12:36,547 Didn't say anything. 436 00:12:36,547 --> 00:12:37,548 And he had a book with him. 437 00:12:37,548 --> 00:12:38,799 And he opened the book, 438 00:12:38,799 --> 00:12:40,092 and then he turned it around 439 00:12:40,092 --> 00:12:42,011 and held it in front of me. 440 00:12:42,011 --> 00:12:44,555 And he was really close. 441 00:12:44,555 --> 00:12:44,805 And I 442 00:12:44,805 --> 00:12:47,808 looked down, and it was his journal, 443 00:12:47,808 --> 00:12:50,060 and it said, 444 00:12:50,060 --> 00:12:52,313 "I didn't want to come today. 445 00:12:52,313 --> 00:12:54,190 There was an older lady in the back 446 00:12:54,190 --> 00:13:00,362 who said everything I can't say." 447 00:13:00,362 --> 00:13:02,948 It said, "I don't have a voice. 448 00:13:02,948 --> 00:13:07,453 Today, she was my voice." 449 00:13:07,453 --> 00:13:09,121 I remember reading that thinking, 450 00:13:09,121 --> 00:13:12,249 "Oh my gosh." And I looked up at him, 451 00:13:12,249 --> 00:13:13,667 and he just had these tears 452 00:13:13,667 --> 00:13:17,797 running down his eyes and... 453 00:13:17,797 --> 00:13:18,672 I gave him a hug, 454 00:13:18,672 --> 00:13:22,760 and we talked for a few minutes, and 455 00:13:22,760 --> 00:13:25,137 his name was Riley. 456 00:13:25,137 --> 00:13:28,682 And he had been in a community, 457 00:13:28,682 --> 00:13:29,809 a religious community, 458 00:13:29,809 --> 00:13:31,685 that once the boys 459 00:13:31,685 --> 00:13:32,436 kind of moved up, 460 00:13:32,436 --> 00:13:33,854 he had been kicked out 461 00:13:33,854 --> 00:13:34,939 and on the streets. 462 00:13:34,939 --> 00:13:36,273 And someone had come along 463 00:13:36,273 --> 00:13:37,066 and told him, 464 00:13:37,066 --> 00:13:38,442 "We'll take care of you." 465 00:13:38,442 --> 00:13:39,777 And then it soon became, 466 00:13:39,777 --> 00:13:40,027 "Here's 467 00:13:40,027 --> 00:13:41,195 how you're going to pay your way." 468 00:13:41,195 --> 00:13:42,988 And I listened to his story, 469 00:13:42,988 --> 00:13:44,198 just a little short bit 470 00:13:44,198 --> 00:13:45,241 that he 471 00:13:45,241 --> 00:13:47,618 was willing to share in the moment. 472 00:13:47,618 --> 00:13:48,577 And I promised 473 00:13:48,577 --> 00:13:51,539 him right then and there 474 00:13:51,539 --> 00:13:53,332 I will be the voice. 475 00:13:53,332 --> 00:13:54,583 And if I 476 00:13:54,583 --> 00:13:56,377 have nothing else, I have a voice. 477 00:13:56,377 --> 00:13:59,922 And I will share your story 478 00:13:59,922 --> 00:14:03,342 and whatever else it takes so that 479 00:14:03,342 --> 00:14:04,468 those who don't feel 480 00:14:04,468 --> 00:14:06,971 that they're heard, 481 00:14:06,971 --> 00:14:08,681 I'll be their voice for them. 482 00:14:08,681 --> 00:14:11,475 And that - I remember 483 00:14:11,475 --> 00:14:13,352 walking out of the auditorium that day 484 00:14:13,352 --> 00:14:15,855 through the parking lot and thinking, 485 00:14:15,855 --> 00:14:17,815 "I just made a choice in life 486 00:14:17,815 --> 00:14:18,566 that would take me 487 00:14:18,566 --> 00:14:19,567 in a whole different direction." 488 00:14:19,567 --> 00:14:21,777 And there was no going back. 489 00:14:21,777 --> 00:14:24,530 And it would be tough, 490 00:14:24,530 --> 00:14:28,659 but I 100% thought, "It'll be worth it." 491 00:14:28,659 --> 00:14:31,704 And I am determined to be that voice. 492 00:14:31,704 --> 00:14:34,164 And, 493 00:14:34,164 --> 00:14:35,624 here I am now. 494 00:14:35,624 --> 00:14:36,166 - So, June, 495 00:14:36,166 --> 00:14:37,835 you were sitting in an auditorium 496 00:14:37,835 --> 00:14:39,795 while in university. 497 00:14:39,795 --> 00:14:41,422 You're attending college. 498 00:14:41,422 --> 00:14:42,798 You're there. 499 00:14:42,798 --> 00:14:45,301 You have three extra hours. 500 00:14:45,301 --> 00:14:46,051 And so you go 501 00:14:46,051 --> 00:14:47,261 and watch this documentary - 502 00:14:47,261 --> 00:14:48,429 it wasn't planned. 503 00:14:48,429 --> 00:14:51,098 You're watching this documentary. 504 00:14:51,098 --> 00:14:54,476 And what in the documentary 505 00:14:54,476 --> 00:14:55,477 made you realize 506 00:14:55,477 --> 00:14:56,896 that you had been trafficked? 507 00:14:56,896 --> 00:14:58,105 What was the first thing 508 00:14:58,105 --> 00:14:58,689 that you were like? 509 00:14:58,689 --> 00:15:00,608 "Oh, that's me." 510 00:15:00,608 --> 00:15:02,443 And you mentioned that happened 511 00:15:02,443 --> 00:15:03,861 within your family. - Right. 512 00:15:03,861 --> 00:15:04,945 It was a girl. 513 00:15:04,945 --> 00:15:07,156 They were showing this girl 514 00:15:07,156 --> 00:15:09,825 who - her family had set it up - 515 00:15:09,825 --> 00:15:11,285 and I didn't know, 516 00:15:11,285 --> 00:15:12,202 but I now know 517 00:15:12,202 --> 00:15:13,495 that familial trafficking 518 00:15:13,495 --> 00:15:14,580 happens so much. 519 00:15:14,580 --> 00:15:15,706 And not just sex trafficking 520 00:15:15,706 --> 00:15:19,043 but labor trafficking. 521 00:15:19,043 --> 00:15:22,254 And I connected with that. 522 00:15:22,254 --> 00:15:24,548 I just spent a whole lifetime 523 00:15:24,548 --> 00:15:26,216 thinking, "Man, I am so unlucky! 524 00:15:26,216 --> 00:15:28,052 These things keep happening." 525 00:15:28,052 --> 00:15:31,055 I had no idea it was trafficking. 526 00:15:31,055 --> 00:15:32,556 I just knew I kept finding myself 527 00:15:32,556 --> 00:15:33,849 in these positions 528 00:15:33,849 --> 00:15:38,270 where I would be assaulted - and 529 00:15:38,270 --> 00:15:40,564 it was being set up by my mother. 530 00:15:40,564 --> 00:15:42,524 And I didn't - 531 00:15:42,524 --> 00:15:43,484 if you would have asked me, 532 00:15:43,484 --> 00:15:44,151 if you would have come up 533 00:15:44,151 --> 00:15:45,736 and said, "Hey, 534 00:15:45,736 --> 00:15:46,904 are you being trafficked?" 535 00:15:46,904 --> 00:15:48,155 I would have had no idea 536 00:15:48,155 --> 00:15:50,491 what you were talking about. 537 00:15:50,491 --> 00:15:51,784 If you said, you know, "Is 538 00:15:51,784 --> 00:15:54,662 someone hurting you and abusing you?" 539 00:15:54,662 --> 00:15:55,537 I wouldn't have even know 540 00:15:55,537 --> 00:15:56,580 how to respond to that 541 00:15:56,580 --> 00:15:58,958 because that's just the way it was. 542 00:15:58,958 --> 00:16:01,210 And unfortunately, 543 00:16:01,210 --> 00:16:03,545 that happens quite a bit. 544 00:16:03,545 --> 00:16:04,296 - Yeah. 545 00:16:04,296 --> 00:16:07,424 What an amazing journey 546 00:16:07,424 --> 00:16:08,968 because 547 00:16:08,968 --> 00:16:10,344 I think sometimes it's hard 548 00:16:10,344 --> 00:16:13,514 for us to realize what happens to us. 549 00:16:13,514 --> 00:16:16,558 And then if we do realize some trauma, 550 00:16:16,558 --> 00:16:18,102 then we get stuck 551 00:16:18,102 --> 00:16:18,894 and we don't - where 552 00:16:18,894 --> 00:16:19,353 we feel like 553 00:16:19,353 --> 00:16:20,646 we can't do anything about it, 554 00:16:20,646 --> 00:16:21,939 where it's like, "This happened to me. 555 00:16:21,939 --> 00:16:22,815 I identify it, 556 00:16:22,815 --> 00:16:24,066 and now I just have to live 557 00:16:24,066 --> 00:16:25,317 with this." 558 00:16:25,317 --> 00:16:26,235 And my body 559 00:16:26,235 --> 00:16:27,653 and I can't do anything about it. 560 00:16:27,653 --> 00:16:30,114 But you had this conversation 561 00:16:30,114 --> 00:16:31,490 in the hallway with - 562 00:16:31,490 --> 00:16:32,616 did you say Riley? 563 00:16:32,616 --> 00:16:34,034 - Yeah, well, we were - 564 00:16:34,034 --> 00:16:34,785 I was still standing 565 00:16:34,785 --> 00:16:35,786 in my stadium seating. 566 00:16:35,786 --> 00:16:36,787 I was still standing there 567 00:16:36,787 --> 00:16:37,621 because I couldn't get out. 568 00:16:37,621 --> 00:16:38,872 - You were still in the auditorium? 569 00:16:38,872 --> 00:16:39,665 - Yeah. 570 00:16:39,665 --> 00:16:40,708 And you know what? 571 00:16:40,708 --> 00:16:42,751 It led to - 572 00:16:42,751 --> 00:16:44,670 I now look back and think, "Man, 573 00:16:44,670 --> 00:16:46,880 so many people I've met 574 00:16:46,880 --> 00:16:49,675 who had no idea." 575 00:16:49,675 --> 00:16:50,509 I have a 576 00:16:50,509 --> 00:16:52,261 friend that I met 577 00:16:52,261 --> 00:16:53,220 outside of this, 578 00:16:53,220 --> 00:16:55,264 and we just started talking - 579 00:16:55,264 --> 00:16:55,764 when I met her, 580 00:16:55,764 --> 00:16:57,016 we started talking about what we did, 581 00:16:57,016 --> 00:16:58,183 and I had just come back 582 00:16:58,183 --> 00:16:59,059 from speaking 583 00:16:59,059 --> 00:17:00,602 and kind of sharing my story. 584 00:17:00,602 --> 00:17:03,689 And she said, "I spent years." 585 00:17:03,689 --> 00:17:05,941 She was from a community. 586 00:17:05,941 --> 00:17:06,817 She was in a Native 587 00:17:06,817 --> 00:17:09,820 American community, and she said, "I 588 00:17:09,820 --> 00:17:13,073 grew up with 'uncles' coming over, 589 00:17:13,073 --> 00:17:14,116 and they would take my hand 590 00:17:14,116 --> 00:17:16,118 and take me back to a bedroom." 591 00:17:16,118 --> 00:17:17,077 And this woman - 592 00:17:17,077 --> 00:17:18,412 you would never know to look at her. 593 00:17:18,412 --> 00:17:19,955 You would never know, 594 00:17:19,955 --> 00:17:23,709 man, this is what she experienced. 595 00:17:23,709 --> 00:17:27,087 And she said, "I went years and years 596 00:17:27,087 --> 00:17:27,880 going through, 597 00:17:27,880 --> 00:17:28,380 having this 598 00:17:28,380 --> 00:17:28,756 and thinking, 599 00:17:28,756 --> 00:17:30,257 'That is just part of life.'" 600 00:17:30,257 --> 00:17:32,051 And then she finally said 601 00:17:32,051 --> 00:17:36,263 something to a teacher and 602 00:17:36,263 --> 00:17:36,930 they came in. 603 00:17:36,930 --> 00:17:38,432 And instead of 604 00:17:38,432 --> 00:17:40,809 getting her therapy or support - 605 00:17:40,809 --> 00:17:43,479 because they're not trauma-informed, 606 00:17:43,479 --> 00:17:44,980 they removed her from the house 607 00:17:44,980 --> 00:17:46,940 and put her with a family member. 608 00:17:46,940 --> 00:17:47,858 And the family member 609 00:17:47,858 --> 00:17:48,609 was one of the people 610 00:17:48,609 --> 00:17:50,444 that was doing it to her. 611 00:17:50,444 --> 00:17:53,363 So the voice of 612 00:17:53,363 --> 00:17:55,157 the survivor - 613 00:17:55,157 --> 00:17:56,200 they weren't 614 00:17:56,200 --> 00:17:57,367 listening to what she needed 615 00:17:57,367 --> 00:17:57,576 or what 616 00:17:57,576 --> 00:17:58,452 she was scared of 617 00:17:58,452 --> 00:18:01,246 or what her fears were. 618 00:18:01,246 --> 00:18:02,956 Instead, they did what they thought 619 00:18:02,956 --> 00:18:06,043 she needed and, you know, often, 620 00:18:06,043 --> 00:18:07,711 I've learned a lot over the past years 621 00:18:07,711 --> 00:18:08,337 going around 622 00:18:08,337 --> 00:18:09,797 and speaking and talking 623 00:18:09,797 --> 00:18:11,381 to law enforcement 624 00:18:11,381 --> 00:18:12,549 and prosecutors 625 00:18:12,549 --> 00:18:15,010 and advocates and social workers 626 00:18:15,010 --> 00:18:18,555 and people have such good intentions. 627 00:18:18,555 --> 00:18:20,474 But knowing firsthand from a survivor 628 00:18:20,474 --> 00:18:21,517 what that feels like 629 00:18:21,517 --> 00:18:23,352 and best practices 630 00:18:23,352 --> 00:18:24,520 makes a big difference. 631 00:18:24,520 --> 00:18:25,521 And so, 632 00:18:25,521 --> 00:18:26,313 if someone would have come 633 00:18:26,313 --> 00:18:27,981 along to her and said, 634 00:18:27,981 --> 00:18:28,774 "Hey, 635 00:18:28,774 --> 00:18:31,485 tell me what this feels like," or tell me - 636 00:18:31,485 --> 00:18:32,027 the questions 637 00:18:32,027 --> 00:18:33,487 they could ask instead of, 638 00:18:33,487 --> 00:18:35,155 "We're gonna remove you from this home 639 00:18:35,155 --> 00:18:38,951 and put you here." It could have been, 640 00:18:38,951 --> 00:18:41,912 "What would make you feel safe? 641 00:18:41,912 --> 00:18:43,330 What happens at home that you wish 642 00:18:43,330 --> 00:18:45,165 could be better?" Because 643 00:18:45,165 --> 00:18:47,292 unfortunately, when it's your family, 644 00:18:47,292 --> 00:18:49,002 you still protect them. 645 00:18:49,002 --> 00:18:49,962 You still feel for [them]. 646 00:18:49,962 --> 00:18:51,213 And that's - 647 00:18:51,213 --> 00:18:54,675 it's a trauma bond, and it's very real. 648 00:18:54,675 --> 00:18:56,301 - And you're trying to ask questions 649 00:18:56,301 --> 00:18:58,303 so that they don't feel like 650 00:18:58,303 --> 00:19:00,848 they're betraying their family. 651 00:19:00,848 --> 00:19:02,724 Especially if it's a parent, 652 00:19:02,724 --> 00:19:03,851 where it's - 653 00:19:03,851 --> 00:19:04,810 parents are supposed to be 654 00:19:04,810 --> 00:19:06,478 the ones that protect their kids, 655 00:19:06,478 --> 00:19:08,355 that fight for their kids. 656 00:19:08,355 --> 00:19:10,566 And I think it's natural 657 00:19:10,566 --> 00:19:11,441 for us to feel that. 658 00:19:11,441 --> 00:19:13,902 So when it is your mom or your dad 659 00:19:13,902 --> 00:19:16,029 that's trafficking you or abusing 660 00:19:16,029 --> 00:19:17,990 you or exploiting you, it's, 661 00:19:17,990 --> 00:19:21,577 "How do I not betray them and yet still 662 00:19:21,577 --> 00:19:23,245 say 'I'm hurting, 663 00:19:23,245 --> 00:19:24,997 and they are doing this to me.'" 664 00:19:24,997 --> 00:19:26,248 And I think those questions 665 00:19:26,248 --> 00:19:27,583 are so important 666 00:19:27,583 --> 00:19:28,959 for everybody to know. 667 00:19:28,959 --> 00:19:30,127 - And it's such - and that, 668 00:19:30,127 --> 00:19:31,837 aside from that, 669 00:19:31,837 --> 00:19:32,588 there's something 670 00:19:32,588 --> 00:19:34,464 that happens mentally 671 00:19:34,464 --> 00:19:35,507 when you realize that 672 00:19:35,507 --> 00:19:37,176 it was a family member, 673 00:19:37,176 --> 00:19:39,178 the one person that should love 674 00:19:39,178 --> 00:19:40,554 you and protect you the most. 675 00:19:40,554 --> 00:19:41,138 When they're 676 00:19:41,138 --> 00:19:42,556 the ones who betrayed you, 677 00:19:42,556 --> 00:19:45,851 it is really hard to trust anyone else, 678 00:19:45,851 --> 00:19:47,519 to feel like you have any worth. 679 00:19:47,519 --> 00:19:49,438 "If they can't love me and protect me, 680 00:19:49,438 --> 00:19:51,982 am I even worth being loved?" 681 00:19:51,982 --> 00:19:55,903 And it's hard. It's hard to 682 00:19:55,903 --> 00:19:59,114 move past that because 683 00:19:59,114 --> 00:20:01,533 it does a number on who you are, 684 00:20:01,533 --> 00:20:02,492 who you feel you are. 685 00:20:02,492 --> 00:20:03,493 Your self-worth 686 00:20:03,493 --> 00:20:05,078 is just chipped away at, 687 00:20:05,078 --> 00:20:06,246 and so, 688 00:20:06,246 --> 00:20:06,830 you don't believe 689 00:20:06,830 --> 00:20:07,706 you're worthy of people 690 00:20:07,706 --> 00:20:09,666 helping you or that you deserve it. 691 00:20:09,666 --> 00:20:12,336 And it's rough. It's tough. 692 00:20:12,336 --> 00:20:14,588 And part of what I love about - 693 00:20:14,588 --> 00:20:16,840 which is also healing for me, 694 00:20:16,840 --> 00:20:18,425 to go around and speak 695 00:20:18,425 --> 00:20:19,718 and kind of educate 696 00:20:19,718 --> 00:20:22,471 people is I get to tell them, 697 00:20:22,471 --> 00:20:23,513 "This is what it feels like 698 00:20:23,513 --> 00:20:24,389 to be the little girl 699 00:20:24,389 --> 00:20:27,100 behind the desk and the girl 700 00:20:27,100 --> 00:20:28,268 who's scared." 701 00:20:28,268 --> 00:20:30,812 And then, they learn best practices 702 00:20:30,812 --> 00:20:33,523 and how they can rephrase 703 00:20:33,523 --> 00:20:34,566 how they're doing things, 704 00:20:34,566 --> 00:20:38,195 the questions to ask the right way, and 705 00:20:38,195 --> 00:20:39,196 it helps heal me 706 00:20:39,196 --> 00:20:40,364 every time I'm able to go out 707 00:20:40,364 --> 00:20:41,114 and kind of share 708 00:20:41,114 --> 00:20:42,407 and help educate 709 00:20:42,407 --> 00:20:45,244 and answer their questions. 710 00:20:45,244 --> 00:20:48,455 It also helps me kind of, okay, 711 00:20:48,455 --> 00:20:50,540 turn pain into purpose. 712 00:20:50,540 --> 00:20:51,291 And for me, 713 00:20:51,291 --> 00:20:53,168 that was really healing personally. 714 00:20:53,168 --> 00:20:54,086 - Yeah. 715 00:20:54,086 --> 00:20:55,587 And I've met your husband, 716 00:20:55,587 --> 00:20:58,215 and you have children and grandkids, 717 00:20:58,215 --> 00:21:00,634 and you have an amazing family. 718 00:21:00,634 --> 00:21:04,304 How have you been able to 719 00:21:04,304 --> 00:21:07,557 help them even be trauma-informed? 720 00:21:07,557 --> 00:21:08,725 Because I feel like trauma-informed 721 00:21:08,725 --> 00:21:11,270 is the phrase that gets thrown out 722 00:21:11,270 --> 00:21:12,437 and people say it, 723 00:21:12,437 --> 00:21:13,063 but they don't 724 00:21:13,063 --> 00:21:14,106 really know what that means. 725 00:21:14,106 --> 00:21:18,735 So I think as a survivor, you're 726 00:21:18,735 --> 00:21:21,780 one of the best people to teach 727 00:21:21,780 --> 00:21:22,489 people - 728 00:21:22,489 --> 00:21:23,407 what does that mean 729 00:21:23,407 --> 00:21:24,408 to be trauma-informed? 730 00:21:24,408 --> 00:21:25,492 Whether that's you're 731 00:21:25,492 --> 00:21:26,326 trying to educate 732 00:21:26,326 --> 00:21:28,537 your own personal family 733 00:21:28,537 --> 00:21:30,914 or the community or a friend 734 00:21:30,914 --> 00:21:32,457 that's helping other people 735 00:21:32,457 --> 00:21:34,835 or an anti-trafficking organization 736 00:21:34,835 --> 00:21:37,004 that's wanting to be trauma-informed. 737 00:21:37,004 --> 00:21:38,338 And so, what does that mean? 738 00:21:38,338 --> 00:21:39,256 What does that look like? 739 00:21:39,256 --> 00:21:40,424 - You know, the biggest thing for me 740 00:21:40,424 --> 00:21:41,300 that when we go out 741 00:21:41,300 --> 00:21:43,510 and try and explain what it means is 742 00:21:43,510 --> 00:21:44,428 trauma-informed 743 00:21:44,428 --> 00:21:45,679 isn't something you learn. 744 00:21:45,679 --> 00:21:47,055 It's something that you live 745 00:21:47,055 --> 00:21:49,182 and you become. 746 00:21:49,182 --> 00:21:51,768 It's how you look at things. 747 00:21:51,768 --> 00:21:53,687 So, for example, 748 00:21:53,687 --> 00:21:54,980 I was explaining it to a group 749 00:21:54,980 --> 00:21:55,397 the other day. 750 00:21:55,397 --> 00:21:56,440 We were really - 751 00:21:56,440 --> 00:21:59,443 we were asked to go work with Homeland 752 00:21:59,443 --> 00:22:01,361 Security over in American Samoa. 753 00:22:01,361 --> 00:22:03,196 And we were explaining it to them. 754 00:22:03,196 --> 00:22:05,574 And 755 00:22:05,574 --> 00:22:06,408 it really connected 756 00:22:06,408 --> 00:22:07,784 when I said, "Okay, guys. 757 00:22:07,784 --> 00:22:09,995 Trauma-informed is like, 758 00:22:09,995 --> 00:22:11,413 let's say your mother-in-law 759 00:22:11,413 --> 00:22:13,582 comes over every week. 760 00:22:13,582 --> 00:22:14,541 And when she comes over, 761 00:22:14,541 --> 00:22:16,209 you just already know what to expect. 762 00:22:16,209 --> 00:22:17,085 And so, 763 00:22:17,085 --> 00:22:17,377 you know 764 00:22:17,377 --> 00:22:18,545 she's going to talk a long time. 765 00:22:18,545 --> 00:22:19,546 So you've got your own room, 766 00:22:19,546 --> 00:22:20,797 and you've got snacks in there 767 00:22:20,797 --> 00:22:21,882 because you just - 768 00:22:21,882 --> 00:22:22,924 it's how you prepare 769 00:22:22,924 --> 00:22:23,508 because you already know 770 00:22:23,508 --> 00:22:25,302 what's coming. 771 00:22:25,302 --> 00:22:26,887 For an organization 772 00:22:26,887 --> 00:22:28,180 that's trauma-informed, 773 00:22:28,180 --> 00:22:30,015 they know that 774 00:22:30,015 --> 00:22:31,808 someone - I might come into the space 775 00:22:31,808 --> 00:22:33,518 and something might make me feel 776 00:22:33,518 --> 00:22:34,436 really uncomfortable 777 00:22:34,436 --> 00:22:36,063 that you wouldn't understand. 778 00:22:36,063 --> 00:22:37,272 For example, 779 00:22:37,272 --> 00:22:39,066 I have to know where an exit is 780 00:22:39,066 --> 00:22:40,776 if I'm sitting somewhere. 781 00:22:40,776 --> 00:22:42,277 I want to know where my exits are. 782 00:22:42,277 --> 00:22:43,528 I don't want to be in a room 783 00:22:43,528 --> 00:22:44,363 without a window. 784 00:22:44,363 --> 00:22:45,781 If I have a bunch 785 00:22:45,781 --> 00:22:46,573 of people in there 786 00:22:46,573 --> 00:22:48,200 and there's little things 787 00:22:48,200 --> 00:22:49,326 that you don't get. 788 00:22:49,326 --> 00:22:51,578 It's the way that you approach people. 789 00:22:51,578 --> 00:22:54,664 It's how you engage 790 00:22:54,664 --> 00:22:56,625 and also how you understand. 791 00:22:56,625 --> 00:22:57,876 Instead of looking at someone 792 00:22:57,876 --> 00:23:00,712 and thinking, "Oh my gosh. 793 00:23:00,712 --> 00:23:01,380 Who are you? 794 00:23:01,380 --> 00:23:02,964 Why are you acting like this?" 795 00:23:02,964 --> 00:23:04,549 Instead of saying, "Why 796 00:23:04,549 --> 00:23:05,675 are you the way you are?" 797 00:23:05,675 --> 00:23:07,302 Trauma-informed is 798 00:23:07,302 --> 00:23:08,261 what's happened to you 799 00:23:08,261 --> 00:23:10,806 to make you get to this point. 800 00:23:10,806 --> 00:23:13,600 And once we shift that perspective, 801 00:23:13,600 --> 00:23:17,020 people are so open to being better 802 00:23:17,020 --> 00:23:19,147 and changing and 803 00:23:19,147 --> 00:23:19,606 it's good for 804 00:23:19,606 --> 00:23:23,860 survivors as well because a lot 805 00:23:23,860 --> 00:23:24,820 of organizations 806 00:23:24,820 --> 00:23:26,154 can have really good intentions 807 00:23:26,154 --> 00:23:27,989 and just really get it wrong. 808 00:23:27,989 --> 00:23:30,909 We went and visited this organization once 809 00:23:30,909 --> 00:23:31,952 that was really good. 810 00:23:31,952 --> 00:23:33,370 They had a lot of stuff in place, 811 00:23:33,370 --> 00:23:34,037 and we thought, "You're 812 00:23:34,037 --> 00:23:35,455 doing such a great job." 813 00:23:35,455 --> 00:23:37,124 And then this lady said, "Well, 814 00:23:37,124 --> 00:23:38,291 we've got some really great 815 00:23:38,291 --> 00:23:41,336 rules here." And there was this lady 816 00:23:41,336 --> 00:23:43,422 who had been beat up 817 00:23:43,422 --> 00:23:45,132 and really struggled. 818 00:23:45,132 --> 00:23:46,216 And they kept asking her, 819 00:23:46,216 --> 00:23:47,551 you know, "Come, we have help for you. 820 00:23:47,551 --> 00:23:49,177 We have all these resources," 821 00:23:49,177 --> 00:23:50,053 for months. 822 00:23:50,053 --> 00:23:51,513 And then one night, 823 00:23:51,513 --> 00:23:52,722 this woman, 824 00:23:52,722 --> 00:23:53,640 this girl was brave 825 00:23:53,640 --> 00:23:55,058 enough to say, "Okay, I'm ready." 826 00:23:55,058 --> 00:23:57,519 And she showed up at the organization, 827 00:23:57,519 --> 00:23:58,437 at the safe house, 828 00:23:58,437 --> 00:23:59,604 and they took her in. 829 00:23:59,604 --> 00:24:02,399 And she was scared and nervous. 830 00:24:02,399 --> 00:24:04,151 But she was brave. 831 00:24:04,151 --> 00:24:05,360 And her way of coping 832 00:24:05,360 --> 00:24:06,945 with that anxiousness 833 00:24:06,945 --> 00:24:09,489 and the uneasiness and her fear 834 00:24:09,489 --> 00:24:10,949 was to smoke. 835 00:24:10,949 --> 00:24:11,867 And so, she was in her room 836 00:24:11,867 --> 00:24:13,243 smoking and nervous. 837 00:24:13,243 --> 00:24:15,370 And the staff came in. 838 00:24:15,370 --> 00:24:16,580 Now they're telling me this. 839 00:24:16,580 --> 00:24:19,666 They're telling me how this happened. 840 00:24:19,666 --> 00:24:20,542 They said, "We went in there. 841 00:24:20,542 --> 00:24:21,209 We told her right 842 00:24:21,209 --> 00:24:23,170 away, 'There's no smoking here.' 843 00:24:23,170 --> 00:24:24,796 And she said she has to smoke. 844 00:24:24,796 --> 00:24:27,048 And so, we had to let her go." 845 00:24:27,048 --> 00:24:29,885 And I just thought - 846 00:24:29,885 --> 00:24:32,053 so I had to explain to them, 847 00:24:32,053 --> 00:24:33,263 "It's not the letter of the law. 848 00:24:33,263 --> 00:24:35,682 It's the spirit of it." Who's in - 849 00:24:35,682 --> 00:24:36,808 who are you trying to help? 850 00:24:36,808 --> 00:24:38,810 If you're saying, "Sorry, 851 00:24:38,810 --> 00:24:39,853 we have rules. 852 00:24:39,853 --> 00:24:40,812 We'll catch you next time. 853 00:24:40,812 --> 00:24:43,815 Go on." So, 854 00:24:43,815 --> 00:24:44,524 it was good for them 855 00:24:44,524 --> 00:24:45,275 for me to say, "Well, 856 00:24:45,275 --> 00:24:45,859 let me tell you what 857 00:24:45,859 --> 00:24:47,694 that would feel like for me. 858 00:24:47,694 --> 00:24:49,362 If I went to someone for help 859 00:24:49,362 --> 00:24:51,615 and they - because of something 860 00:24:51,615 --> 00:24:52,991 I was coping - like, 861 00:24:52,991 --> 00:24:55,535 she needed something. 862 00:24:55,535 --> 00:24:56,828 I would have felt like 863 00:24:56,828 --> 00:24:58,121 they don't really care. 864 00:24:58,121 --> 00:25:00,457 They're not here to help me. 865 00:25:00,457 --> 00:25:03,960 And I wouldn't come back." So, 866 00:25:03,960 --> 00:25:06,630 trauma-informed for them was to stop 867 00:25:06,630 --> 00:25:07,214 and look at it 868 00:25:07,214 --> 00:25:09,216 from a different perspective. 869 00:25:09,216 --> 00:25:11,092 And we put together a plan like, okay, 870 00:25:11,092 --> 00:25:12,219 so if there's no smoking, 871 00:25:12,219 --> 00:25:12,969 what can you do? 872 00:25:12,969 --> 00:25:14,679 Instead of saying, "We don't do this," 873 00:25:14,679 --> 00:25:16,097 what can you do? 874 00:25:16,097 --> 00:25:17,224 And meet them where they are. 875 00:25:17,224 --> 00:25:18,308 So if that's what she needs, 876 00:25:18,308 --> 00:25:20,977 then let's have a designated zone. 877 00:25:20,977 --> 00:25:22,270 Trauma-informed would be, 878 00:25:22,270 --> 00:25:23,146 let's have a patch. 879 00:25:23,146 --> 00:25:24,105 Let's, 880 00:25:24,105 --> 00:25:25,774 you know, think outside the box. 881 00:25:25,774 --> 00:25:26,900 But it's about 882 00:25:26,900 --> 00:25:28,318 how can we best help this person 883 00:25:28,318 --> 00:25:29,569 instead of 884 00:25:29,569 --> 00:25:31,905 what are we supposed to do on paper 885 00:25:31,905 --> 00:25:33,907 that makes sense for us? 886 00:25:33,907 --> 00:25:35,367 - That makes so much sense. 887 00:25:35,367 --> 00:25:36,743 And I love what you said, 888 00:25:36,743 --> 00:25:37,577 where it's 889 00:25:37,577 --> 00:25:38,787 not something you learn, 890 00:25:38,787 --> 00:25:40,830 it's something that you live. 891 00:25:40,830 --> 00:25:43,959 And maybe you have to hear it first 892 00:25:43,959 --> 00:25:46,753 and understand what that is. 893 00:25:46,753 --> 00:25:47,796 But it really does 894 00:25:47,796 --> 00:25:49,881 have to be an internal change 895 00:25:49,881 --> 00:25:51,299 if somebody wants to be quote 896 00:25:51,299 --> 00:25:52,842 trauma-informed, 897 00:25:52,842 --> 00:25:55,011 where they meet people 898 00:25:55,011 --> 00:25:57,138 where they're at, where they say, 899 00:25:57,138 --> 00:25:58,431 "Your coping 900 00:25:58,431 --> 00:26:00,809 mechanism is smoking." Okay, 901 00:26:00,809 --> 00:26:02,102 then how can we 902 00:26:03,228 --> 00:26:05,480 help empower this person 903 00:26:05,480 --> 00:26:08,024 to be able to be in a program 904 00:26:08,024 --> 00:26:09,359 that they're wanting to be in? 905 00:26:09,359 --> 00:26:10,485 They're wanting healing. 906 00:26:10,485 --> 00:26:11,236 They're wanting love. 907 00:26:11,236 --> 00:26:12,654 They're wanting to 908 00:26:12,654 --> 00:26:14,155 be able to work 909 00:26:14,155 --> 00:26:16,032 through some of this pain and trauma. 910 00:26:16,032 --> 00:26:16,575 - Yeah. 911 00:26:16,575 --> 00:26:19,160 And can you imagine? 912 00:26:19,160 --> 00:26:19,869 Can you imagine? 913 00:26:19,869 --> 00:26:21,371 You go - you finally ask for help, 914 00:26:21,371 --> 00:26:23,456 which is hard for a lot of people. 915 00:26:23,456 --> 00:26:27,377 You finally become vulnerable enough 916 00:26:27,377 --> 00:26:28,837 to say, "I need help." 917 00:26:28,837 --> 00:26:30,046 And then they 918 00:26:30,046 --> 00:26:32,799 put conditions on helping you. 919 00:26:32,799 --> 00:26:34,301 That's... 920 00:26:34,301 --> 00:26:36,177 and all that does is reinforce, 921 00:26:36,177 --> 00:26:37,095 "I don't trust them. 922 00:26:37,095 --> 00:26:38,263 They don't really care." 923 00:26:38,263 --> 00:26:39,848 So, it's harder 924 00:26:39,848 --> 00:26:40,599 for the next person 925 00:26:40,599 --> 00:26:41,641 to come along, and it's harder 926 00:26:41,641 --> 00:26:43,268 for them to take that next step again. 927 00:26:43,268 --> 00:26:44,978 So, 928 00:26:44,978 --> 00:26:46,730 we try really hard to get out there 929 00:26:46,730 --> 00:26:50,483 and really educate, and 930 00:26:50,483 --> 00:26:52,444 I'm so grateful I get to do that. 931 00:26:52,444 --> 00:26:54,571 I've been able to sit with prosecutors 932 00:26:54,571 --> 00:26:56,615 and say, "Let me tell you - 933 00:26:56,615 --> 00:26:57,574 there's certain words 934 00:26:57,574 --> 00:26:58,658 I don't want to have to say." 935 00:26:58,658 --> 00:27:00,910 I remember being 12 years old 936 00:27:00,910 --> 00:27:02,203 and having to sit on the stand, 937 00:27:02,203 --> 00:27:04,497 and I had a really good advocate, 938 00:27:04,497 --> 00:27:05,415 or I don't know that 939 00:27:05,415 --> 00:27:06,875 I would have been able to do it. 940 00:27:06,875 --> 00:27:08,251 That walked me through, "Okay, 941 00:27:08,251 --> 00:27:09,794 here's where you're going to sit." 942 00:27:09,794 --> 00:27:10,420 Took me in 943 00:27:10,420 --> 00:27:10,879 and said, "This 944 00:27:10,879 --> 00:27:11,504 is where you're going to sit. 945 00:27:11,504 --> 00:27:12,964 You only have to look over here once, 946 00:27:12,964 --> 00:27:14,132 and let's talk about 947 00:27:14,132 --> 00:27:15,133 what words you can say." 948 00:27:15,133 --> 00:27:15,759 And I didn't want to 949 00:27:15,759 --> 00:27:17,135 say certain words. 950 00:27:17,135 --> 00:27:17,886 At 12, 951 00:27:17,886 --> 00:27:19,596 you barely want to acknowledge 952 00:27:19,596 --> 00:27:20,180 what happened, 953 00:27:20,180 --> 00:27:21,848 much less talk about it. 954 00:27:21,848 --> 00:27:22,932 But she was great. 955 00:27:22,932 --> 00:27:24,517 She was trauma-informed. 956 00:27:24,517 --> 00:27:25,727 They gave me something to hold. 957 00:27:25,727 --> 00:27:27,562 They walked me through 958 00:27:27,562 --> 00:27:29,648 and we practiced saying those words. 959 00:27:29,648 --> 00:27:30,106 And you're 960 00:27:30,106 --> 00:27:31,441 only going to have to look over here, 961 00:27:31,441 --> 00:27:33,943 and all those things add up. 962 00:27:33,943 --> 00:27:36,780 One of the biggest things 963 00:27:36,780 --> 00:27:38,114 when we are able 964 00:27:38,114 --> 00:27:38,990 to get to go speak 965 00:27:38,990 --> 00:27:40,241 to like law enforcement 966 00:27:40,241 --> 00:27:41,451 and health care 967 00:27:41,451 --> 00:27:42,577 is, you know, 968 00:27:42,577 --> 00:27:44,079 they think there's these big, 969 00:27:44,079 --> 00:27:46,873 huge things that you can do. 970 00:27:46,873 --> 00:27:48,708 But really for me, 971 00:27:48,708 --> 00:27:50,043 it's the little things. 972 00:27:50,043 --> 00:27:51,753 It's being authentic. 973 00:27:51,753 --> 00:27:54,005 There's a difference between saying - 974 00:27:54,005 --> 00:27:54,631 like, I remember 975 00:27:54,631 --> 00:27:57,676 being at a hospital once and 976 00:27:57,676 --> 00:27:58,551 being checked out. 977 00:27:58,551 --> 00:27:59,135 And there's a difference 978 00:27:59,135 --> 00:27:59,761 between someone 979 00:27:59,761 --> 00:28:00,929 leaning in and saying, 980 00:28:00,929 --> 00:28:01,846 "Here's your paperwork. 981 00:28:01,846 --> 00:28:03,765 We have resources. 982 00:28:03,765 --> 00:28:05,225 If you need help, here's a number." 983 00:28:05,225 --> 00:28:07,686 You know? Okay. 984 00:28:07,686 --> 00:28:09,479 There's that, or there's the nurse 985 00:28:09,479 --> 00:28:10,438 that just leans over 986 00:28:10,438 --> 00:28:12,941 and touches your hand and says, 987 00:28:12,941 --> 00:28:21,032 "You call them." 988 00:28:21,032 --> 00:28:21,324 Because 989 00:28:21,324 --> 00:28:24,619 authentic - when you're authentic - 990 00:28:24,619 --> 00:28:25,995 well, I had a nurse 991 00:28:25,995 --> 00:28:27,247 just grab my hand and squeeze 992 00:28:27,247 --> 00:28:29,374 and say, "You call them, 993 00:28:29,374 --> 00:28:30,125 and if you don't get through, 994 00:28:30,125 --> 00:28:31,918 you call me." 995 00:28:31,918 --> 00:28:33,378 That's it. 996 00:28:33,378 --> 00:28:35,171 I remember 997 00:28:35,171 --> 00:28:36,297 sitting on 998 00:28:36,297 --> 00:28:37,924 a rock on the side of my driveway. 999 00:28:37,924 --> 00:28:39,551 I'd had 1000 00:28:39,551 --> 00:28:40,719 this guy's arm around my neck, 1001 00:28:40,719 --> 00:28:41,594 and I thought, "Okay, 1002 00:28:41,594 --> 00:28:42,303 I'm going to pass out. 1003 00:28:42,303 --> 00:28:43,596 I'm not going to able to breathe." 1004 00:28:43,596 --> 00:28:45,390 So I bit his arm. 1005 00:28:45,390 --> 00:28:48,309 That's all I had left to do. And, 1006 00:28:48,309 --> 00:28:51,104 my mother called the police on me, 1007 00:28:51,104 --> 00:28:52,689 and they showed up. 1008 00:28:52,689 --> 00:28:54,941 And nothing was being done 1009 00:28:54,941 --> 00:28:56,192 from my perspective. 1010 00:28:56,192 --> 00:28:56,943 And I was sitting on 1011 00:28:56,943 --> 00:28:59,487 this big rock outside in the driveway 1012 00:28:59,487 --> 00:29:00,155 and a policeman - 1013 00:29:00,155 --> 00:29:01,156 they were getting ready to leave 1014 00:29:01,156 --> 00:29:01,781 and get in the car, 1015 00:29:01,781 --> 00:29:02,782 and one of them stopped 1016 00:29:02,782 --> 00:29:04,993 and walked over to me. 1017 00:29:04,993 --> 00:29:06,703 And all he did was lean down, 1018 00:29:06,703 --> 00:29:07,412 touched my knee, 1019 00:29:07,412 --> 00:29:12,792 and he said, "You deserve better." 1020 00:29:12,792 --> 00:29:15,879 And for some reason, in that moment, 1021 00:29:15,879 --> 00:29:18,131 I believed him. 1022 00:29:18,131 --> 00:29:19,382 So it's not, you know, 1023 00:29:19,382 --> 00:29:19,799 you think, 1024 00:29:19,799 --> 00:29:20,383 what are 1025 00:29:20,383 --> 00:29:21,676 all these things that you can do? 1026 00:29:21,676 --> 00:29:24,721 But what it comes down to is 1027 00:29:24,721 --> 00:29:26,306 caring 1028 00:29:26,306 --> 00:29:29,309 and engaging authentically. 1029 00:29:29,559 --> 00:29:32,228 Because those words sustained me 1030 00:29:32,228 --> 00:29:32,896 till I was able 1031 00:29:32,896 --> 00:29:35,857 to do something about it. 1032 00:29:35,857 --> 00:29:37,525 So 1033 00:29:37,525 --> 00:29:38,943 I appreciate being able 1034 00:29:38,943 --> 00:29:40,028 to go out and talk to people 1035 00:29:40,028 --> 00:29:40,987 because I can see - I've 1036 00:29:40,987 --> 00:29:43,990 had prosecutors and, 1037 00:29:43,990 --> 00:29:45,074 gosh, all sorts of 1038 00:29:45,074 --> 00:29:46,868 people and officials come up and say, 1039 00:29:46,868 --> 00:29:48,369 "I never saw it that way before." 1040 00:29:48,369 --> 00:29:50,288 And it seems like something so simple. 1041 00:29:50,288 --> 00:29:51,581 But to hear it 1042 00:29:51,581 --> 00:29:52,957 firsthand and say, "You know what? 1043 00:29:52,957 --> 00:29:56,795 This made a difference for me." And 1044 00:29:56,795 --> 00:29:58,129 I can see that it does. 1045 00:29:58,129 --> 00:30:00,381 - Well, and June, you know, 1046 00:30:00,381 --> 00:30:01,716 you are so authentic in 1047 00:30:01,716 --> 00:30:03,760 how you interact with people as well. 1048 00:30:03,760 --> 00:30:04,761 You live it out. 1049 00:30:04,761 --> 00:30:08,765 You live what you, what you preach 1050 00:30:08,765 --> 00:30:11,226 as far as 1051 00:30:11,226 --> 00:30:12,101 being authentic 1052 00:30:12,101 --> 00:30:13,603 and being able to really meet people 1053 00:30:13,603 --> 00:30:15,563 where they're at. 1054 00:30:15,563 --> 00:30:18,525 And I appreciate you 1055 00:30:18,525 --> 00:30:19,275 sharing those things. 1056 00:30:19,275 --> 00:30:19,734 I feel like 1057 00:30:19,734 --> 00:30:20,985 I always learn something 1058 00:30:20,985 --> 00:30:22,153 when I listen to you, 1059 00:30:22,153 --> 00:30:23,738 and I am so grateful. 1060 00:30:23,738 --> 00:30:25,073 I think our listeners 1061 00:30:25,073 --> 00:30:27,283 are learning as well. 1062 00:30:27,283 --> 00:30:29,619 One of the things that I agree with 1063 00:30:29,619 --> 00:30:31,120 so wholeheartedly 1064 00:30:31,120 --> 00:30:32,205 that I share with people 1065 00:30:32,205 --> 00:30:35,208 all the time is that there is a power 1066 00:30:35,208 --> 00:30:36,709 when you just show up 1067 00:30:36,709 --> 00:30:41,589 to somebody with love, with 1068 00:30:41,589 --> 00:30:45,134 unconditional love, where it really is 1069 00:30:45,134 --> 00:30:46,845 something that sounds elementary, 1070 00:30:46,845 --> 00:30:48,471 but it's so powerful. 1071 00:30:48,471 --> 00:30:50,098 Sitting at a table, 1072 00:30:50,098 --> 00:30:51,224 not having your phone, 1073 00:30:51,224 --> 00:30:52,934 being fully engaged with somebody. 1074 00:30:52,934 --> 00:30:54,936 - Authentic, just be real. 1075 00:30:54,936 --> 00:30:55,812 - Yeah. 1076 00:30:55,812 --> 00:30:56,354 So June, 1077 00:30:56,354 --> 00:30:57,522 thank you for bringing that 1078 00:30:57,522 --> 00:30:59,440 to our audience. 1079 00:30:59,440 --> 00:30:59,858 Audience, 1080 00:30:59,858 --> 00:31:02,277 I hope that you are able to absorb 1081 00:31:02,277 --> 00:31:04,195 these things that June is saying. 1082 00:31:04,195 --> 00:31:05,113 These are the things 1083 00:31:05,113 --> 00:31:06,322 that you can do that 1084 00:31:06,322 --> 00:31:09,492 you can apply to your circle 1085 00:31:09,492 --> 00:31:11,202 and how to engage 1086 00:31:11,202 --> 00:31:12,120 with survivors, 1087 00:31:12,120 --> 00:31:13,580 how to show up tonight. 1088 00:31:13,580 --> 00:31:15,832 You can apply this today. 1089 00:31:15,832 --> 00:31:17,667 So June, thank you for sharing this. 1090 00:31:17,667 --> 00:31:18,585 We're going to come back 1091 00:31:18,585 --> 00:31:19,878 in just a short time 1092 00:31:19,878 --> 00:31:22,338 and have one more segment 1093 00:31:22,338 --> 00:31:24,382 with June, and I'm so excited 1094 00:31:24,382 --> 00:31:25,383 for this last segment. 1095 00:31:25,383 --> 00:31:26,301 I feel like everything 1096 00:31:26,301 --> 00:31:27,343 that June is sharing 1097 00:31:27,343 --> 00:31:28,595 is applicable 1098 00:31:28,595 --> 00:31:31,973 to anybody and all circumstances 1099 00:31:31,973 --> 00:31:35,268 and to be able to really identify 1100 00:31:35,268 --> 00:31:36,352 what does trafficking 1101 00:31:36,352 --> 00:31:38,688 look like in our own community. 1102 00:31:38,688 --> 00:31:41,900 We're talking about your backyard. 1103 00:31:41,900 --> 00:31:43,818 And so, thank you for joining us. 1104 00:31:43,818 --> 00:31:46,237 And we'll be right back. 1105 00:31:46,237 --> 00:31:48,489 Big thanks to this week's sponsor, 1106 00:31:48,489 --> 00:31:50,533 the OUR Rescue Store, 1107 00:31:50,533 --> 00:31:52,619 for supporting the podcast. 1108 00:31:52,619 --> 00:31:54,829 The OUR Rescue store is committed 1109 00:31:54,829 --> 00:31:56,873 to responsibly sourcing products 1110 00:31:56,873 --> 00:31:58,791 that unite conversations 1111 00:31:58,791 --> 00:32:00,627 about human trafficking, 1112 00:32:00,627 --> 00:32:01,794 raising awareness, 1113 00:32:01,794 --> 00:32:02,962 and contributing 1114 00:32:02,962 --> 00:32:05,089 to the movement against it. 1115 00:32:05,089 --> 00:32:07,842 With more than enough colors, designs, 1116 00:32:07,842 --> 00:32:09,719 and items to choose from, 1117 00:32:09,719 --> 00:32:11,888 there is definitely something for you. 1118 00:32:11,888 --> 00:32:14,807 Find something you'll be proud to own, 1119 00:32:14,807 --> 00:32:17,352 and be an advocate for change. 1120 00:32:17,352 --> 00:32:20,939 Visit store.ourrescue.org 1121 00:32:20,939 --> 00:32:22,690 and use promo code 1122 00:32:22,690 --> 00:32:26,486 Voices10 for 10% off your purchases. 1123 00:32:26,486 --> 00:32:28,488 That's Voices10 1124 00:32:28,488 --> 00:32:32,617 on store.ourrescue.org. 1125 00:32:33,409 --> 00:32:35,328 Welcome back to Voices for Freedom 1126 00:32:35,328 --> 00:32:37,080 an Anti-Trafficking Podcast. 1127 00:32:37,080 --> 00:32:38,164 My name is Jessica, 1128 00:32:38,164 --> 00:32:39,791 and I am here with June, 1129 00:32:39,791 --> 00:32:41,668 the chairman of our survivor 1130 00:32:41,668 --> 00:32:43,378 advisory board. 1131 00:32:43,378 --> 00:32:44,587 And today, 1132 00:32:44,587 --> 00:32:46,339 we are also going to share with you 1133 00:32:46,339 --> 00:32:48,925 what does OUR Rescue do 1134 00:32:48,925 --> 00:32:52,679 and how do we best serve survivors. 1135 00:32:52,679 --> 00:32:53,888 And truly, 1136 00:32:53,888 --> 00:32:57,266 the person that we get advice from 1137 00:32:57,266 --> 00:32:59,727 is our survivor advisory board. 1138 00:32:59,727 --> 00:33:00,812 And this is something that 1139 00:33:00,812 --> 00:33:02,814 I've learned through the years 1140 00:33:02,814 --> 00:33:04,649 because I started 1141 00:33:04,649 --> 00:33:09,153 working with survivors in my 20s 1142 00:33:09,153 --> 00:33:10,613 and - a long 1143 00:33:10,613 --> 00:33:11,322 time. 1144 00:33:11,322 --> 00:33:14,492 And I have had to ask for forgiveness 1145 00:33:14,492 --> 00:33:17,996 because I have not always done it 1146 00:33:17,996 --> 00:33:20,039 perfectly with helping survivors 1147 00:33:20,039 --> 00:33:21,416 or empowering them. 1148 00:33:21,416 --> 00:33:22,959 I've learned a lot, 1149 00:33:22,959 --> 00:33:25,086 and I feel like I'm still learning, 1150 00:33:25,086 --> 00:33:26,087 and I think that's why 1151 00:33:26,087 --> 00:33:28,172 it's so important for OUR Rescue 1152 00:33:28,172 --> 00:33:30,633 to have a survivor advisory board. 1153 00:33:30,633 --> 00:33:32,510 And we've been so honored 1154 00:33:32,510 --> 00:33:34,137 to have you as our chairman. 1155 00:33:34,137 --> 00:33:35,179 So, June, 1156 00:33:35,179 --> 00:33:38,474 would you share with our audience 1157 00:33:38,474 --> 00:33:40,685 what does the OUR Rescue Survivor 1158 00:33:40,685 --> 00:33:41,853 Advisory Board do? 1159 00:33:41,853 --> 00:33:43,563 What's the goal, the purpose, 1160 00:33:43,563 --> 00:33:44,772 and the mission of that? 1161 00:33:44,772 --> 00:33:47,608 - That's a good question. When 1162 00:33:47,608 --> 00:33:48,860 OUR Rescue said, 1163 00:33:48,860 --> 00:33:50,737 "Hey, this is what we're thinking." 1164 00:33:50,737 --> 00:33:52,113 What a brilliant idea. 1165 00:33:52,113 --> 00:33:54,323 So the main concept is 1166 00:33:54,323 --> 00:33:55,867 let's get survivors - 1167 00:33:55,867 --> 00:33:57,118 and not just someone who we say, 1168 00:33:57,118 --> 00:33:59,370 "Hey, you want to come join the team?" 1169 00:33:59,370 --> 00:34:03,082 Who can fill that spot 1170 00:34:03,082 --> 00:34:04,417 and it helps them as well? 1171 00:34:04,417 --> 00:34:05,084 So it's important 1172 00:34:05,084 --> 00:34:06,461 that they're in a position 1173 00:34:06,461 --> 00:34:07,962 where this is something that 1174 00:34:07,962 --> 00:34:09,547 benefits them as well. 1175 00:34:09,547 --> 00:34:11,674 But we're creating a board 1176 00:34:11,674 --> 00:34:12,717 that is worldwide. 1177 00:34:12,717 --> 00:34:14,260 So, 1178 00:34:14,260 --> 00:34:16,220 we have the expertise, 1179 00:34:16,220 --> 00:34:16,721 you know - 1180 00:34:16,721 --> 00:34:17,638 and there's all different 1181 00:34:17,638 --> 00:34:18,598 kinds of trafficking. 1182 00:34:18,598 --> 00:34:19,807 Maybe it was in the family, 1183 00:34:19,807 --> 00:34:21,559 maybe it was through a boyfriend 1184 00:34:21,559 --> 00:34:22,727 or whatever 1185 00:34:22,727 --> 00:34:24,103 it was that we kind of cover 1186 00:34:24,103 --> 00:34:25,521 all of those. 1187 00:34:25,521 --> 00:34:28,232 Are we in the LGBTQ community? 1188 00:34:28,232 --> 00:34:29,233 Whatever we can bring 1189 00:34:29,233 --> 00:34:31,027 so that we have a well-versed 1190 00:34:31,027 --> 00:34:32,153 kind of a counsel 1191 00:34:32,153 --> 00:34:34,489 that can advise on everything 1192 00:34:34,489 --> 00:34:35,448 from programs 1193 00:34:35,448 --> 00:34:39,952 to events to how we are engaging 1194 00:34:39,952 --> 00:34:43,247 through education, through 1195 00:34:43,247 --> 00:34:45,083 even how we do things in-house. 1196 00:34:45,083 --> 00:34:46,751 You know, behind the scenes. 1197 00:34:46,751 --> 00:34:48,044 I've been really impressed, 1198 00:34:48,044 --> 00:34:51,589 especially over the last year. 1199 00:34:51,589 --> 00:34:52,507 I just, 1200 00:34:52,507 --> 00:34:53,758 for example, I said, "Listen, 1201 00:34:53,758 --> 00:34:55,134 I would feel more comfortable. 1202 00:34:55,134 --> 00:34:57,637 I don't want to get out and say, 1203 00:34:57,637 --> 00:34:59,806 'This is a really great program,' 1204 00:34:59,806 --> 00:35:00,932 unless I've stood there 1205 00:35:00,932 --> 00:35:01,933 and I know the people 1206 00:35:01,933 --> 00:35:03,142 and I've seen it for myself 1207 00:35:03,142 --> 00:35:04,185 because I've seen the ones 1208 00:35:04,185 --> 00:35:05,436 that go wrong." 1209 00:35:05,436 --> 00:35:08,564 And to their credit, you know, 1210 00:35:08,564 --> 00:35:12,527 OUR Rescue said, "Okay, 1211 00:35:12,527 --> 00:35:12,985 let's do it." 1212 00:35:12,985 --> 00:35:13,861 They doubled down 1213 00:35:13,861 --> 00:35:14,403 and said, "All right, 1214 00:35:14,403 --> 00:35:15,905 let's make it happen." 1215 00:35:15,905 --> 00:35:18,074 And so, I get to go. 1216 00:35:18,074 --> 00:35:19,784 And if I'm telling you about 1217 00:35:19,784 --> 00:35:21,744 the survivors store - 1218 00:35:21,744 --> 00:35:22,870 I know the people. 1219 00:35:22,870 --> 00:35:24,038 I know the organizations. 1220 00:35:24,038 --> 00:35:24,789 I can tell you 1221 00:35:24,789 --> 00:35:26,707 why it's there, who's done it. 1222 00:35:26,707 --> 00:35:27,875 I've met the women 1223 00:35:27,875 --> 00:35:29,710 who are making these bags. 1224 00:35:29,710 --> 00:35:32,797 I got to go out on a reservation 1225 00:35:32,797 --> 00:35:34,298 and meet some amazing women 1226 00:35:34,298 --> 00:35:36,092 who are making bags. 1227 00:35:36,092 --> 00:35:38,970 And it's not just helping survivors 1228 00:35:38,970 --> 00:35:40,388 but prevention 1229 00:35:40,388 --> 00:35:42,306 through vulnerable populations 1230 00:35:42,306 --> 00:35:43,975 and communities 1231 00:35:43,975 --> 00:35:44,976 that are often 1232 00:35:44,976 --> 00:35:46,644 overlooked or marginalized. 1233 00:35:46,644 --> 00:35:48,646 And so, we're able to go in there 1234 00:35:48,646 --> 00:35:50,439 and - knowing, 1235 00:35:50,439 --> 00:35:51,732 being able to have the resources 1236 00:35:51,732 --> 00:35:53,734 of a survivor advisory board - 1237 00:35:53,734 --> 00:35:56,445 we are able to say, "This will work. 1238 00:35:56,445 --> 00:35:57,822 And this is what worked for me, 1239 00:35:57,822 --> 00:36:00,032 and we need to treat them this way. 1240 00:36:00,032 --> 00:36:02,034 And this is what you need to expect." 1241 00:36:02,034 --> 00:36:03,744 So even everything from - 1242 00:36:03,744 --> 00:36:06,038 we have an event coming up. 1243 00:36:06,038 --> 00:36:08,416 They now, OUR Rescue now 1244 00:36:08,416 --> 00:36:10,293 has a room where if something happens 1245 00:36:10,293 --> 00:36:11,711 and someone feels 1246 00:36:11,711 --> 00:36:13,754 anxiety or triggered, 1247 00:36:13,754 --> 00:36:14,547 whatever it is, 1248 00:36:14,547 --> 00:36:16,465 there's a safe spot for them to go. 1249 00:36:16,465 --> 00:36:17,758 And everybody knows that, 1250 00:36:17,758 --> 00:36:20,303 and they know what to provide. 1251 00:36:20,303 --> 00:36:23,306 And you know, if you've been through 1252 00:36:23,306 --> 00:36:25,391 something traumatic - survivors, 1253 00:36:25,391 --> 00:36:26,309 they need choice. 1254 00:36:26,309 --> 00:36:28,603 So it's not just here's something 1255 00:36:28,603 --> 00:36:30,730 to do, and here's something to eat it. 1256 00:36:30,730 --> 00:36:32,106 "What would you like?" Often 1257 00:36:32,106 --> 00:36:33,399 we don't get a choice. 1258 00:36:33,399 --> 00:36:35,359 And so, just little things 1259 00:36:35,359 --> 00:36:36,569 makes such a big difference. 1260 00:36:36,569 --> 00:36:40,364 And I love and I'm so impressed 1261 00:36:40,364 --> 00:36:44,202 with the direction that we're going. 1262 00:36:44,202 --> 00:36:46,662 And I'm just grateful 1263 00:36:46,662 --> 00:36:47,622 that I've been able 1264 00:36:47,622 --> 00:36:48,915 to step into a role 1265 00:36:48,915 --> 00:36:51,042 and feel so supported 1266 00:36:51,042 --> 00:36:52,960 and so empowered. 1267 00:36:52,960 --> 00:36:55,379 It's going to be amazing. 1268 00:36:55,379 --> 00:36:56,547 - Thank you, June. 1269 00:36:56,547 --> 00:36:58,382 And I will say, one of the mistakes 1270 00:36:58,382 --> 00:36:59,425 I personally have 1271 00:36:59,425 --> 00:37:03,221 made is trying to protect survivors 1272 00:37:03,221 --> 00:37:04,680 instead of just asking 1273 00:37:04,680 --> 00:37:08,226 and giving them the choice. And, 1274 00:37:08,226 --> 00:37:09,685 there was an event before 1275 00:37:09,685 --> 00:37:11,020 where I made a mistake, 1276 00:37:11,020 --> 00:37:13,606 and I was trying to protect survivors 1277 00:37:13,606 --> 00:37:16,817 from getting questions asked to them 1278 00:37:16,817 --> 00:37:19,153 that they might be uncomfortable with. 1279 00:37:19,153 --> 00:37:20,112 So I thought, 1280 00:37:20,112 --> 00:37:21,697 "Okay, I'm going to protect survivors 1281 00:37:21,697 --> 00:37:23,824 by not putting them in this position." 1282 00:37:23,824 --> 00:37:25,868 And that way, they won't 1283 00:37:25,868 --> 00:37:26,410 get asked 1284 00:37:26,410 --> 00:37:28,037 about things that - 1285 00:37:28,037 --> 00:37:29,205 these other people 1286 00:37:29,205 --> 00:37:30,915 might be not trauma-informed, 1287 00:37:30,915 --> 00:37:32,166 and they might ask questions 1288 00:37:32,166 --> 00:37:33,793 that trigger a survivor. 1289 00:37:33,793 --> 00:37:35,211 And what I should have done, 1290 00:37:35,211 --> 00:37:38,256 and I've learned - thank goodness - 1291 00:37:38,256 --> 00:37:41,217 I've learned is: ask the survivor. 1292 00:37:41,259 --> 00:37:42,301 Would this be better? 1293 00:37:42,301 --> 00:37:43,552 Would this be better? 1294 00:37:43,552 --> 00:37:44,553 You might get asked 1295 00:37:44,553 --> 00:37:45,721 uncomfortable questions 1296 00:37:45,721 --> 00:37:47,473 if you're around this group of people. 1297 00:37:47,473 --> 00:37:49,392 Are you okay with that? Right. 1298 00:37:49,392 --> 00:37:51,269 And 1299 00:37:51,269 --> 00:37:53,145 I truly am grateful for you, 1300 00:37:53,145 --> 00:37:53,980 for your voice, 1301 00:37:53,980 --> 00:37:56,148 and for the survivor advisory board 1302 00:37:56,148 --> 00:37:57,692 because I think 1303 00:37:57,692 --> 00:37:59,026 it helps us - 1304 00:37:59,026 --> 00:38:01,529 one, say, "Will you forgive me?" 1305 00:38:01,529 --> 00:38:04,365 And two, let's do things differently 1306 00:38:04,365 --> 00:38:07,493 and have advice 1307 00:38:07,493 --> 00:38:09,495 from people that understand 1308 00:38:09,495 --> 00:38:11,747 what it's like to be in that position. 1309 00:38:11,747 --> 00:38:13,207 And you're doing an amazing job 1310 00:38:13,207 --> 00:38:16,335 with leading that team and really 1311 00:38:16,335 --> 00:38:18,129 being a voice for the survivors 1312 00:38:18,129 --> 00:38:19,755 and bringing everyone together. 1313 00:38:19,755 --> 00:38:20,631 - Well, thank you. 1314 00:38:20,631 --> 00:38:21,132 I appreciate 1315 00:38:21,132 --> 00:38:22,717 - I really appreciate that. 1316 00:38:22,717 --> 00:38:24,719 And you guys have been great. 1317 00:38:24,719 --> 00:38:25,511 You were 1318 00:38:25,511 --> 00:38:26,971 so good to say, 1319 00:38:26,971 --> 00:38:27,847 "Oh my gosh, 1320 00:38:27,847 --> 00:38:29,682 I had no idea." 1321 00:38:29,682 --> 00:38:31,976 And then, "What can we do differently? 1322 00:38:31,976 --> 00:38:33,311 How can we be better?" 1323 00:38:33,311 --> 00:38:33,853 And I love that. 1324 00:38:33,853 --> 00:38:36,355 And actually, what we do now is 1325 00:38:36,355 --> 00:38:38,983 we've got something in place - so 1326 00:38:38,983 --> 00:38:40,776 any survivor that works with us, 1327 00:38:41,736 --> 00:38:42,945 OUR Rescue, 1328 00:38:42,945 --> 00:38:44,363 now we're able to say, "Okay, 1329 00:38:44,363 --> 00:38:45,698 let's fill this out together. 1330 00:38:45,698 --> 00:38:47,325 What are you comfortable with? 1331 00:38:47,325 --> 00:38:48,743 What are the expectations 1332 00:38:48,743 --> 00:38:49,452 so that 1333 00:38:49,452 --> 00:38:51,037 we don't assume someone's okay 1334 00:38:51,037 --> 00:38:53,289 or not okay with something?" 1335 00:38:53,289 --> 00:38:55,750 That incident you were talking about, 1336 00:38:55,750 --> 00:38:57,543 you know, 1337 00:38:57,543 --> 00:38:58,836 I remember that very well. 1338 00:38:58,836 --> 00:39:00,713 And I remember at one point 1339 00:39:00,713 --> 00:39:02,048 thinking, "What am I doing? 1340 00:39:02,048 --> 00:39:04,133 How - these guys are like, 1341 00:39:04,133 --> 00:39:05,593 they don't get it. They don't get it. 1342 00:39:05,593 --> 00:39:06,427 What I have - 1343 00:39:06,427 --> 00:39:08,179 I don't want to be a part of this." 1344 00:39:08,179 --> 00:39:09,847 And then, half an hour later 1345 00:39:09,847 --> 00:39:11,057 thinking, "Oh my gosh, 1346 00:39:11,057 --> 00:39:13,642 this is exactly why they need me." 1347 00:39:13,642 --> 00:39:15,895 And so, the change in perspective 1348 00:39:15,895 --> 00:39:16,479 was great. 1349 00:39:16,479 --> 00:39:17,813 And the feedback 1350 00:39:17,813 --> 00:39:20,566 was, "Thank you so much. 1351 00:39:20,566 --> 00:39:21,525 Please show us what 1352 00:39:21,525 --> 00:39:22,234 we can do better." 1353 00:39:22,234 --> 00:39:24,737 And that was a game changer. 1354 00:39:24,737 --> 00:39:25,780 It was really good. 1355 00:39:25,780 --> 00:39:27,948 And so, now we've got - we've taken 1356 00:39:27,948 --> 00:39:29,742 so many steps in the right direction 1357 00:39:29,742 --> 00:39:31,660 and we're making sure, 1358 00:39:31,660 --> 00:39:31,911 you know, 1359 00:39:31,911 --> 00:39:34,080 the whole - everyone that works behind 1360 00:39:34,080 --> 00:39:37,958 the scenes is trauma-informed, and 1361 00:39:37,958 --> 00:39:38,709 I can tell you the first 1362 00:39:38,709 --> 00:39:39,835 time I walked in the O.U.R. 1363 00:39:39,835 --> 00:39:44,799 offices, the OUR Rescue offices, 1364 00:39:44,799 --> 00:39:46,050 people didn't know how to talk. 1365 00:39:46,050 --> 00:39:46,717 They were - 1366 00:39:46,717 --> 00:39:49,387 I was like a mascot or a novelty. 1367 00:39:49,387 --> 00:39:50,596 And you feel - 1368 00:39:50,596 --> 00:39:52,014 I know that they felt, 1369 00:39:52,014 --> 00:39:52,973 "I don't know what to say. 1370 00:39:52,973 --> 00:39:53,682 I don't know what to do. 1371 00:39:53,682 --> 00:39:56,268 I don't want to bother them." 1372 00:39:56,268 --> 00:39:56,852 But the message 1373 00:39:56,852 --> 00:39:57,728 it gave to me, 1374 00:39:57,728 --> 00:39:59,063 and I know other survivors 1375 00:39:59,063 --> 00:40:00,272 that have come and engaged 1376 00:40:00,272 --> 00:40:03,067 in that space was, "I'm different. 1377 00:40:03,067 --> 00:40:05,820 I'm not worthy of them talking to me. 1378 00:40:05,820 --> 00:40:08,114 I'm not seen as equal." 1379 00:40:08,114 --> 00:40:09,532 And so, we've really work 1380 00:40:09,532 --> 00:40:10,366 to shift that. 1381 00:40:10,366 --> 00:40:12,326 And 1382 00:40:12,326 --> 00:40:12,993 part of me 1383 00:40:12,993 --> 00:40:16,247 being there and having a presence 1384 00:40:16,247 --> 00:40:17,623 is they know - I don't feel that 1385 00:40:17,623 --> 00:40:18,541 and they don't feel that. 1386 00:40:18,541 --> 00:40:20,793 And we've kind of walked through 1387 00:40:20,793 --> 00:40:22,545 what's appropriate, what's not. 1388 00:40:22,545 --> 00:40:24,672 And 1389 00:40:24,672 --> 00:40:25,172 it's - there's a 1390 00:40:25,172 --> 00:40:28,217 real shift in how things are done. 1391 00:40:28,217 --> 00:40:29,677 And it's really amazing. 1392 00:40:29,677 --> 00:40:30,761 It's 1393 00:40:30,761 --> 00:40:32,638 pretty inspiring to watch the change 1394 00:40:32,638 --> 00:40:35,182 and see where the directions taking. 1395 00:40:35,182 --> 00:40:36,100 - Well, thank you, June, 1396 00:40:36,100 --> 00:40:37,935 and thank you for helping us 1397 00:40:37,935 --> 00:40:39,728 grow and be better. 1398 00:40:39,728 --> 00:40:42,148 And I think that that's a good message 1399 00:40:42,148 --> 00:40:42,648 to other 1400 00:40:42,648 --> 00:40:44,275 anti-trafficking organizations 1401 00:40:44,275 --> 00:40:46,485 as well, is 1402 00:40:46,485 --> 00:40:48,404 if you've messed up in the past 1403 00:40:48,404 --> 00:40:50,448 or you have done something that's hurt 1404 00:40:50,448 --> 00:40:53,492 somebody, go ask for forgiveness 1405 00:40:53,492 --> 00:40:55,661 and do better and be better 1406 00:40:55,661 --> 00:40:57,329 - be teachable. 1407 00:40:57,329 --> 00:40:58,247 Yeah. 1408 00:40:58,247 --> 00:40:58,789 Be teachable 1409 00:40:58,789 --> 00:41:01,459 and be willing to acknowledge, "Hey, 1410 00:41:01,459 --> 00:41:03,252 what could we - what did we do, right? 1411 00:41:03,252 --> 00:41:04,170 And what could we do better?" 1412 00:41:04,170 --> 00:41:06,464 And then, listen to understand. 1413 00:41:06,464 --> 00:41:09,008 Just really listen the move forward. 1414 00:41:09,008 --> 00:41:10,926 And those are the best organizations 1415 00:41:10,926 --> 00:41:12,553 that really, 1416 00:41:12,553 --> 00:41:15,264 really change things for the better. 1417 00:41:15,264 --> 00:41:16,974 - Thank you, June. - You're welcome. 1418 00:41:16,974 --> 00:41:17,641 It's easy 1419 00:41:17,641 --> 00:41:18,726 to want to quit 1420 00:41:18,726 --> 00:41:21,020 when you mess up and say, 1421 00:41:21,020 --> 00:41:22,146 "I didn't do this right. 1422 00:41:22,146 --> 00:41:23,147 I'm just going to leave, 1423 00:41:23,147 --> 00:41:24,815 and I'm not going to 1424 00:41:24,815 --> 00:41:27,276 continue to fight trafficking." 1425 00:41:27,276 --> 00:41:30,446 But I think what's more powerful is, 1426 00:41:30,446 --> 00:41:32,364 "What did we do wrong? 1427 00:41:32,364 --> 00:41:33,491 How can we be better? 1428 00:41:33,491 --> 00:41:35,910 How can we actually support survivors 1429 00:41:35,910 --> 00:41:38,370 and do survivor care?" - And it's good. 1430 00:41:38,370 --> 00:41:40,331 I remember thinking, 1431 00:41:40,331 --> 00:41:41,832 if they're willing to be vulnerable 1432 00:41:41,832 --> 00:41:44,543 and say, "Okay, that's on me," 1433 00:41:44,543 --> 00:41:46,712 then we can join - 1434 00:41:46,712 --> 00:41:48,339 we can join forces here. 1435 00:41:48,339 --> 00:41:50,257 Because they're willing 1436 00:41:50,257 --> 00:41:50,674 to be vulnerable as well. 1437 00:41:50,674 --> 00:41:52,384 And so, 1438 00:41:52,384 --> 00:41:53,469 I think it's a benefit 1439 00:41:53,469 --> 00:41:55,095 for someone to say - 1440 00:41:55,095 --> 00:41:55,930 you know, we're being asked 1441 00:41:55,930 --> 00:41:57,223 to be vulnerable all the time. 1442 00:41:57,223 --> 00:41:59,600 And it's like exposing yourself. 1443 00:41:59,600 --> 00:42:02,102 And so, in that moment, 1444 00:42:02,102 --> 00:42:03,270 it was good to see someone else 1445 00:42:03,270 --> 00:42:04,897 saying, "I'm going to be raw here 1446 00:42:04,897 --> 00:42:06,690 and uncomfortable and say, 1447 00:42:06,690 --> 00:42:10,069 'that one's on me.'" And, 1448 00:42:10,069 --> 00:42:11,987 if you're willing to do that, 1449 00:42:11,987 --> 00:42:12,571 then I'm okay 1450 00:42:12,571 --> 00:42:13,572 joining forces with you 1451 00:42:13,572 --> 00:42:15,866 because I know you get it - and 1452 00:42:15,866 --> 00:42:16,575 team up 1453 00:42:16,575 --> 00:42:18,911 and we'll do amazing things together. 1454 00:42:18,911 --> 00:42:19,119 - Well 1455 00:42:19,119 --> 00:42:19,870 thank you, June, 1456 00:42:19,870 --> 00:42:20,788 and thank you for this 1457 00:42:20,788 --> 00:42:22,581 very vulnerable conversation. 1458 00:42:22,581 --> 00:42:23,290 - Absolutely. 1459 00:42:23,290 --> 00:42:25,167 - You're sharing your story, your heart, 1460 00:42:25,167 --> 00:42:26,544 some of the things you've been through 1461 00:42:26,544 --> 00:42:27,461 and some of the people 1462 00:42:27,461 --> 00:42:28,963 that have had such an impact 1463 00:42:28,963 --> 00:42:29,964 in your life, 1464 00:42:29,964 --> 00:42:30,881 like that boy 1465 00:42:30,881 --> 00:42:32,591 that was in the stadium 1466 00:42:32,591 --> 00:42:33,968 that really helped you 1467 00:42:33,968 --> 00:42:37,137 say, "I will be a voice for change." 1468 00:42:37,137 --> 00:42:38,305 - Well thanks for having me. 1469 00:42:38,305 --> 00:42:39,223 - Thank you, June, 1470 00:42:39,223 --> 00:42:41,267 and thank you to everybody listening. 1471 00:42:41,267 --> 00:42:43,394 I hope that you really were able 1472 00:42:43,394 --> 00:42:44,395 to engage 1473 00:42:44,395 --> 00:42:45,354 with this 1474 00:42:45,354 --> 00:42:46,897 story, with this podcast 1475 00:42:46,897 --> 00:42:49,024 because it is applicable. 1476 00:42:49,024 --> 00:42:49,775 Like I said, 1477 00:42:49,775 --> 00:42:51,694 everything that June said 1478 00:42:51,694 --> 00:42:52,236 is things 1479 00:42:52,236 --> 00:42:54,280 that you can be watching for. 1480 00:42:54,280 --> 00:42:55,573 You hear her story 1481 00:42:55,573 --> 00:42:56,198 and now you can 1482 00:42:56,198 --> 00:42:57,366 look for other people 1483 00:42:57,366 --> 00:42:58,242 that might be going 1484 00:42:58,242 --> 00:42:59,702 through things like this. 1485 00:42:59,702 --> 00:43:01,537 And you really can show up 1486 00:43:01,537 --> 00:43:02,413 to other people's 1487 00:43:02,413 --> 00:43:04,164 lives, from your family 1488 00:43:04,164 --> 00:43:05,249 to your friends 1489 00:43:05,249 --> 00:43:06,417 to your neighbors, 1490 00:43:06,417 --> 00:43:08,085 with authentic love, 1491 00:43:08,085 --> 00:43:10,546 and be fully present with them. 1492 00:43:10,546 --> 00:43:12,047 So thank you for joining us. 1493 00:43:12,047 --> 00:43:13,132 Join us next time 1494 00:43:13,132 --> 00:43:14,550 and we'll hopefully be sharing 1495 00:43:14,550 --> 00:43:15,801 more information with you 1496 00:43:15,801 --> 00:43:17,428 that you find engaging 1497 00:43:17,428 --> 00:43:19,471 and life changing. 1498 00:43:19,597 --> 00:43:20,556 Thanks for listening. 1499 00:43:20,556 --> 00:43:22,099 Did you enjoy this episode? 1500 00:43:22,099 --> 00:43:23,434 If so, please leave us 1501 00:43:23,434 --> 00:43:24,810 a review and subscribe 1502 00:43:24,810 --> 00:43:26,854 wherever you listen to podcasts. 1503 00:43:26,854 --> 00:43:29,398 If you have ideas for future episodes, 1504 00:43:29,398 --> 00:43:30,149 email us 1505 00:43:30,149 --> 00:43:34,194 at voicesforfreedom@ourrescue.org. 1506 00:43:34,194 --> 00:43:34,903 Lastly, 1507 00:43:34,903 --> 00:43:37,156 we encourage you to join the fight. 1508 00:43:37,156 --> 00:43:38,490 Make a difference today 1509 00:43:38,490 --> 00:43:41,619 by donating at ourrescue.org. 1510 00:43:41,619 --> 00:43:46,081 Or text PODCAST to 75004. 1511 00:43:46,081 --> 00:43:50,127 Again, that number is 75004. 1512 00:43:50,628 --> 00:43:53,255 Next week on Voices For Freedom, 1513 00:43:53,255 --> 00:43:54,048 join us 1514 00:43:54,048 --> 00:43:56,133 as we take the podcast on the road 1515 00:43:56,133 --> 00:43:58,927 for the first time to Indianapolis. 1516 00:43:58,927 --> 00:44:00,971 There, Matt Osborne will sit down 1517 00:44:00,971 --> 00:44:02,431 with Todd Jordan, 1518 00:44:02,431 --> 00:44:04,266 owner and chief trainer 1519 00:44:04,266 --> 00:44:06,644 at Jordan Detection K9. 1520 00:44:06,644 --> 00:44:09,146 You might have heard of a bomb-sniffing dog, 1521 00:44:09,146 --> 00:44:11,398 but these dogs are specifically trained 1522 00:44:11,398 --> 00:44:13,108 to sniff out electronic 1523 00:44:13,108 --> 00:44:14,526 storage devices 1524 00:44:14,526 --> 00:44:15,694 that are, well hidden 1525 00:44:15,694 --> 00:44:16,945 by perpetrators 1526 00:44:16,945 --> 00:44:18,322 and might go undetected 1527 00:44:18,322 --> 00:44:19,448 by law enforcement. 1528 00:44:19,448 --> 00:44:20,949 As you might imagine, 1529 00:44:20,949 --> 00:44:23,285 finding this evidence is critical 1530 00:44:23,285 --> 00:44:25,287 to prosecuting pedophiles 1531 00:44:25,287 --> 00:44:27,581 and bringing justice to survivors. 1532 00:44:27,581 --> 00:44:28,207 Whether you're 1533 00:44:28,207 --> 00:44:30,042 a follower of OUR Rescue, 1534 00:44:30,042 --> 00:44:31,627 a donor to our cause, 1535 00:44:31,627 --> 00:44:33,629 or even a law enforcement officer 1536 00:44:33,629 --> 00:44:35,130 looking for the newest tools 1537 00:44:35,130 --> 00:44:36,215 and resources 1538 00:44:36,215 --> 00:44:37,216 available to help 1539 00:44:37,216 --> 00:44:38,550 in your investigations, 1540 00:44:38,550 --> 00:44:40,511 you won't want to miss this episode. 1541 00:44:40,511 --> 00:44:42,346 And if you usually listen via 1542 00:44:42,346 --> 00:44:43,806 one of our audio-only 1543 00:44:43,806 --> 00:44:46,558 sources like Spotify or iTunes, 1544 00:44:46,558 --> 00:44:47,518 this episode 1545 00:44:47,518 --> 00:44:48,936 you'll want to watch on our 1546 00:44:48,936 --> 00:44:50,229 YouTube channel 1547 00:44:50,229 --> 00:44:52,815 so you can see these dogs in action. 1548 00:44:52,815 --> 00:44:54,066 We're so excited 1549 00:44:54,066 --> 00:44:55,526 to share this with you! 1550 00:44:55,526 --> 00:44:57,528 So make sure to subscribe 1551 00:44:57,528 --> 00:44:59,196 and tune in next week.