I never saw the danger: I Didn’t Know It Was Trafficking
Welcome to today’s podcast episode, where we dive into a critical and often misunderstood subject with survivor-expert Alexandra Ford. Alexandra shatters the stereotypical image of a trafficking victim, sharing her journey from a "normal, boring, middle-class" childhood to being trafficked at age 20. As a former child advocate and high-achieving student, her story reveals how master manipulators exploit universal human needs for love and belonging, not just overt vulnerabilities.
In this episode, we’ll hear about the complex path that led her there, including a history of childhood sexual assault and a brutalizing experience with the justice system that left her feeling disempowered and seeking control. Alexandra provides a chillingly clear explanation of the psychological coercion traffickers use, describing the "survival mindset" where the choice isn't between right and wrong, but between one risk and a worse one. She breaks down the moment she was trafficked—not by a stranger in an alley, but by a partner she loved and feared—and explains why screaming for help never even crossed her mind.
“I’m on stage at a strip club. There’s no gun to my head... and the thought to scream for help never even crossed my mind. The only thought that crossed my mind was how can I please him? How can I do the thing that he wants me to do in the best possible way so I don’t get hurt afterwards?”
We’ll also explore the crucial, proactive steps we can all take to prevent trafficking. Alexandra provides actionable advice for parents, including how to have meaningful conversations about consent that go beyond "no means no," the critical importance of discussing what happens after a child makes a mistake, and essential online safety tips. This episode is a powerful reminder that this is not just a "women's issue," but a community one that requires bringing boys and men into the conversation to address the roots of predation. Join us for this essential, enlightening, and empowering conversation.