When we think of human trafficking, most of us picture kidnapping and prostitution. But the truth is, most victims are adults who’ve been trafficked by people they trust and forced to work for free. And they may or may not realize that they’re being trafficked. Amanda Blackwood is the Trauma Recovery Mentor behind Growth from Darkness, a platform where she shares her experiences as a survivor of human trafficking and helps other trauma survivors build resilience and strength. Amanda is also an accomplished artist, author and public speaker, hosting The Survivors and Growth from Darkness podcasts. On this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, Amanda joins Anjel to share her experiences as the victim of human trafficking, describing how she was preyed upon by people she knew and trusted. Amanda discusses the DHS definition of human trafficking, explaining what labor, sex and organ trafficking look like and why trafficking is most prevalent in upper-middle class neighborhoods. Listen in for Amanda’s insight on asking for help if you’re in an abusive situation and learn how she navigated the trauma recovery process. What You Will Learn Why it’s a myth that human trafficking only happens to children How Amanda’s childhood trauma made her susceptible to being trafficked as an adult How the Department of Homeland Security defines human trafficking What labor, sex and organ trafficking look like (and which is most common) Why trafficking in the US is most prevalent in upper-middle class neighborhoods How most people are trafficked by people they already know and trust vs. kidnapped by traffickers What causes a parent/grandparent to traffic their child/grandchild Amanda’s experiences with being trafficked and why she didn’t recognize the signs How Amanda got help after leaving an abusive situation How writing her memoir allowed Amanda to heal from her trafficking experience How Amanda helps clients recognize trauma triggers/reactions Connect with Amanda Blackwood Growth from Darkness Resources Custom Justice by Amanda Blackwood Books by Amanda Blackwood Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds by Anjel B. Hartwell Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell  Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic The Wealthy Life Mentor The Wealthy Life Mentor on Facebook Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343  Email listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com