This is a re-run episode from Season 1 of the Trafficking Free America podcast, produced by the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking (USIAHT). Today, Oree Freeman is the Director of Operations at USIAHT—but her journey here is one marked by unimaginable pain, survival, and ultimately, redemption.

In this episode, Oree continues to bravely share her story of being trafficked as a child. Her words offer insight into the deeply manipulative and hidden nature of trafficking in the United States—often occurring in plain sight. Her honesty challenges common misconceptions, confronts societal silence, and gives voice to victims who have yet to be heard.

⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode contains sensitive content involving child abuse, sexual trauma, and trafficking.

🕒 Timestamps
00:00 – Oree’s childhood misconceptions of prostitution vs. trafficking
01:25 – Podcast intro & parental advisory
02:38 – Oree’s first encounter with her trafficker’s world
04:17 – Trauma bonding: sharing her story with a stranger
07:00 – The trafficker’s manipulation: promises of safety & belonging
09:13 – Normalizing abuse: when sexual trauma becomes “routine”
11:05 – Introduction to “the game” by another trafficked girl
13:16 – Oree begins to feel wanted and protected—but at a price
15:25 – Emotional breakdown during recording: searching for love
17:06 – First time being trafficked—rules, cars, and grooming
20:51 – How trafficking looks different across places and races
22:17 – Why traffickers often use other victims to recruit
23:41 – What the Trafficking Free Zone is & how to get involved
27:08 – Physical violence and manipulation to maintain control
31:53 – Oree’s realization: sex equated with love and survival
34:46 – Closing: how Oree’s story shifts in future episodes

💡 Become a Certified Trafficking Free Zone Member:
Take our free online course and join the movement:
👉 https://www.usiaht.org/trafficking-free-zone

🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe to support our mission to end human trafficking.

📢 Connect with USIAHT:
Website: https://www.usiaht.org
[https://www.usiaht.org/] Social Media: @usiaht (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter)

How an 11 year-old girl was trafficked: The Story of Oree Freeman, PART 2 | S6, E8

🎧 How an 11 year-old girl was trafficked: The Story of Oree Freeman, PART 1 | Trafficking Free America Podcast (2023)  Welcome to this Season 1 re-run of the Trafficking Free America podcast, brought to you by the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking (USIAHT). In this gripping episode, we share the courageous story of Oree Freeman, a survivor, educator, and now the Director of Operations for USIAHT, the very organization behind this podcast series.  Oree’s journey is raw, heartbreaking, and full of resilience. From growing up in a vulnerable environment, to experiencing repeated abuse and trafficking, to becoming a national voice in the fight to end human trafficking—her story is a must-hear for anyone who wants to understand what trafficking really looks like in America.  

🕒 Timestamps: 

00:00 – Introduction to the podcast and USIAHT’s mission
01:31 – Meet Oree Freeman: survivor, advocate, abolitionist
02:23 – Breaking trafficking myths: It’s not just kidnappings and basements
04:00 – Oree’s sheltered childhood and early family dynamics
07:02 – First memory of sexual abuse at age five
08:24 – Identity crisis, bullying, and emotional neglect
11:09 – Molestation by a family friend becomes normalized
13:26 – Rape at summer camp and first thoughts of running away
17:21 – Trauma triggers resurface in adulthood after childbirth
19:03 – Discovering she was adopted and losing her sense of identity
27:13 – Arrest, probation, and entering alternative education programs
32:37 – Running away and being taken to a trafficker’s house  



💡 Become a Certified Trafficking Free Zone Member:  Take our free online course and join the movement:  👉 https://www.usiaht.org/trafficking-free-zone  

🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe to support our mission to end human trafficking.  

📢 Connect with USIAHT and become an Abolitionist!  Website: https://www.usiaht.org/abolitionists  

Social Media: @usiaht (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter)  



#TraffickingFreeAmerica #OreeFreeman #HumanTraffickingAwareness #USIAHT #SurvivorStory #EndHumanTrafficking #Podcast #TraffickingFreeZone #SocialJustice #SurvivorVoices

How an 11 year-old girl was trafficked: The Story of Oree Freeman, PART 1 | S6, E7

In this episode of the Trafficking Free America podcast, produced by the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking (USIAHT) and Kids Not For Sale, we explore how to actually walk with people—especially within the church—toward healing from pornography and sexual addiction. This isn’t just about offering resources; it’s about delivering them with compassion and clarity.

Host Jeremy Hicks joins forces again with:

 * Alan Teixeira, former sex buyer and group recovery leader
 * David Hudson, licensed counselor and president of the Sexual Integrity Project
 * Christy Collins, trauma-informed counselor for betrayed spouses

Together, they confront the realities of addiction, the failings of silence, and the hope of redemption.

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: From Abuse to Recovery – What This Episode Covers
01:19 – Meet the Guests: Alan, Dave, and Christy Return
02:05 – Why Churches Tiptoe Around Porn & Addiction
04:44 – What the Church Really Wants: Tithing Units or Healing?
05:55 – The Call for Churches to Stop Tiptoeing
06:33 – The Role of Pastors: Walk With, Not Point At
08:04 – Why Many Pastors Don’t Speak Out: They’re Struggling Too
10:14 – What Happens When Pastors Find Freedom
11:01 – Don’t Wait for the Pastor: Any Man Can Lead
17:19 – How to Reach Families: Start With Talking to Kids About Sex
18:29 – Why Nobody Signs Up for “Porn Recovery” Workshops
19:21 – The “Secret Sexual Basement”: How Addicts Hide & Compartmentalize
21:14 – The “Gift of Chaos” That Leads to Change
22:27 – Making the Path to Help Softer & Private
23:44 – How the Church Can Become Safe for the Broken
25:07 – The Power of Invitation vs. Catastrophe
26:28 – How to Normalize Struggle Without Weakness
34:53 – First Step: Get Counsel Before You Confess
37:28 – The Real Consequence Isn’t Confession—It’s the Addiction
39:20 – The Pastor Isn’t the Healer—But He Can Be the Guide
40:12 – What Recovery Resources Actually Work?
41:18 – What Is the Sexual Integrity Project?
43:35 – In-Person vs. Online Recovery: What Works Best?
45:25 – Why Isolation Requires Group-Based Healing
46:48 – The Buckets of Help: Therapy, 12-Step, Groups, Intensive
57:22 – Breaking Cycles of Abuse & Trafficking
59:05 – Why Churches Won’t Host Groups (And How to Help)
01:01:31 – Child Sexual Abuse: The Root of the Sex Market

This episode is for leaders, pastors, counselors—and anyone who’s ready to move beyond silence. If we want to end sex trafficking, we must start with the demand. And that starts with recovery.

👉 Next step: Become an abolitionist at usiaht.org/abolitionist
📌 Watch, subscribe, and share this podcast to be part of the solution.

#PornRecovery #SexualAddiction #ChurchHealing #TraffickingFreeAmerica #USIAHT #KidsNotForSale #EndTheDemand #SexualIntegrity #FaithBasedRecovery

Porn Recovery & Redemption: How Churches Can Lead the Fight Against Sexual Addiction | S6, E5

In this powerful and eye-opening episode of the Trafficking Free America podcast, produced by the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking (USIAHT) and Kids Not For Sale, we dive deep into the psychological, emotional, and societal impacts of pornography—and its critical connection to sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

Host Jeremy Hicks is joined by:

 * Alan Teixeira, a former buyer and recovered sex addict
 * David Hudson, counselor and president of the Sexual Integrity Project
 * Christy Collins, advocate and counselor for betrayed women

Together, they confront taboo truths that will challenge what you think you know.

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the Podcast & Guests
02:05 – Why Talk About Pornography?
05:02 – How Porn Impacts the Brain (Dopamine, Dependency, & Isolation)
07:35 – The "Perfect Drug": Secrecy, Accessibility & Impact on Real-Life Relationships
10:16 – Porn’s Impact on Marriages: Trust, Distance & Intimacy
12:12 – The Bonding Hormone Vasopressin & Why It Matters
15:09 – When Porn Addiction Starts in Childhood
18:24 – Binge-Purge Cycles: Is It Still Addiction?
22:01 – The Cycle of Addiction Explained
25:01 – Can Normalizing Sex Help or Harm?
27:40 – Porn’s Impact on Sexual Satisfaction with a Spouse
29:02 – The “Death Spiral” in Relationships
30:55 – Real vs. Synthetic Intimacy: The Long-Term Cost
32:08 – Dealing with Entitlement & Recovery Challenges
35:21 – Neuroplasticity & Healing the Brain from Addiction
38:14 – What’s the Difference Between Dependency & Addiction?
44:06 – Pure Desire Research: Why Sex with Your Spouse is 5x More Satisfying
45:12 – Porn as a Form of Sex Buying
46:05 – Does Infrequent Porn Use Still Matter to a Spouse?
48:07 – How Porn Use Affects Executive Function & Maturity
50:04 – Where Real Hope Begins: Repentance, Healing, & Identity in Christ
54:05 – Shame, God’s Love, and the Road to Recovery
55:06 – Preview: Resources to Break Free from Porn & Sex Addiction

This is more than a conversation about porn—it's a candid look at the spiritual, neurological, and relational fallout of a normalized addiction. Whether you're struggling yourself, know someone who is, or just want to understand the real cost behind "harmless" clicks, this episode is a must-listen.

👉 Stay tuned for Part 2, where we cover practical resources for recovery and freedom.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to join the movement for a Trafficking Free America.

#TraffickingFreeAmerica #PornAddiction #HumanTrafficking #SexualIntegrity #KidsNotForSale #USIAHT #StopTheDemand #RecoveryIsPossible

Your Brain on Porn: The Hidden Link Between Pornography & Human Trafficking | S6, E4

In this special episode, we’re slowing things down to revisit our mission, share what’s coming up in Season 6, and introduce two exciting initiatives — the Abolitionist Program and the return of the Trafficking Free Zone (TFZ)!

Whether you're a long-time supporter or just discovering us, this is the perfect place to dive into our purpose: educating, equipping, and inspiring action to end human trafficking across the U.S. 🇺🇸

Timestamps
00:00 - Welcome and Mission Overview
00:35 - Exciting News: Trafficking Free Zone Relaunch
01:06 - Our Organizations: USIAHT & Kids Not For Sale
01:18 - Training, Resources, Advocacy, and Education Focus
01:37 - Why Media and Education Matter
02:05 - Podcast Recap: Seasons 1-5 Highlights
02:49 - Special Focus on Foster Care and At-Risk Youth
02:57 - Confronting Demand: Sex Buyers and Addiction
03:22 - Safe Homes: Protecting Survivors
03:27 - What’s New in Season 6: Weekly Episodes Ahead!
03:53 - Why You Should Stay Tuned (Even When It’s Heavy)
04:17 - Introducing the Abolitionist Program
04:43 - How to Take Action: Start Small, Make an Impact
05:10 - The Trafficking Free Zone Program: Make Your Area Safer
05:48 - Certification, Resources, and Community Involvement
05:56 - Keeping the Conversation Alive: Our Core Purpose
06:17 - Join the Movement: Abolitionists and TFZs
06:32 - Closing Thanks

✨ Join us!

 * Become an Abolitionist: usiaht.org/abolitionists
 * Start a Trafficking Free Zone: usiaht.org/traffickingfreezone

🔔 Subscribe to stay updated: weekly episodes dropping all year through 2025!

#EndHumanTrafficking #TraffickingFreeAmerica #USIAHT #KidsNotForSale #PodcastSeason6

The Mission of "Trafficking Free America Podcast" | S6, E3

In Part 2 of our powerful conversation with Bekah Charleston, survivor and advocate, we go deeper into the realities victims of sex trafficking face after rescue—from unpaid debt and criminal records to community disconnection and spiritual burnout.

Hosted by the Trafficking Free America Podcast, a production of the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking and Kids Not For Sale, this episode tackles the often-overlooked legal, financial, and relational obstacles that survivors must overcome—and how you can help eliminate them.

🔍 Key insights in this episode:

 * The 3-step framework of survivor care: escape, safe home, restoration
 * Why many survivors face prison, debt, and legal barriers post-trafficking
 * How to support real rehabilitation without a “savior” complex
 * Actionable ways churches and communities can become part of the solution
 * The importance of removing judgment and centering love in this work

📌 Timestamps
00:00 – Recap and framing the rehabilitation journey
00:46 – Safe home vs. restoration home: a critical distinction
04:19 – What survivors face after “the life”: legal records, debt, prison
07:08 – The DEBRA project and how survivors access legal support
08:24 – Why we need nationwide pro bono legal resources
09:37 – Bekah’s nonprofit experience and vision for scalable services
12:27 – Can lack of resources cause survivors to return to trafficking?
14:36 – Federal vs. state support—what’s missing, what can we do?
15:07 – Where survivors feel supported—and where it drops off
18:57 – Government vs. society: who should be solving this?
21:33 – How churches can wrap around survivor care and prevention
23:06 – Practical ways churches can start helping now
25:05 – Two resources Bekah recommends for getting involved
26:22 – Why a “hero” mindset can do more harm than good
28:13 – Bekah’s vision for the next four years of survivor support
31:24 – Final thoughts: it’s time to step up and do the work

🙏 Whether you're a pastor, advocate, policymaker, or everyday person—this episode will help you shift from well-meaning to well-doing in the fight against human trafficking.

👉 Learn how to join our movement at: https://usiaht.org/abolitionist

🔔 Subscribe to catch more survivor voices, strategies for prevention, and real-world solutions.

#HumanTraffickingAwareness #SurvivorJustice #BekahCharleston #TraffickingFreeAmerica #USIAHT #KidsNotForSale #RestorationJourney #ChurchAndJustice #AntiTraffickingPodcast #AbolitionistMovement

What Survivors of Sex Trafficking Really Need: Legal Hurdles and Community Gaps in Survivor Support, Part 2 | S6, E2

In this powerful episode of the Trafficking Free America Podcast, survivor leader and national speaker Bekah Charleston opens up about her experience with sex trafficking in Las Vegas and what it truly takes to help victims transition into long-term survivors.

🎧 Hosted by the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking and Kids Not For Sale, this candid conversation dives deep into the rehabilitation and restoration process—beyond safe homes, into the real challenges survivors face reentering society.

🔍 What you'll learn:

 * Why leaving "the life" is more complex than most people realize
 * The critical difference between a safe home and a restoration home
 * Why many survivors return to trafficking—and how we can change that
 * The essential role communities, churches, and everyday individuals play in survivor success

👥 This episode is a must-watch for anyone involved in social work, advocacy, policymaking, or just looking to better understand how to truly help survivors.

🛑 Become an Abolitionist:
Subscribe for free training and resources at: https://usiaht.org/abolitionist

📌 Timestamps
00:00 – Intro: What is Trafficking Free America?
00:31 – Purpose of the episode: Helping survivors beyond rescue
01:11 – Meet Bekah Charleston: Survivor and national advocate
02:08 – What happens after safe homes? The missing link in support
03:24 – Bekah’s personal background and story
06:27 – How hard is it really to leave the life?
10:12 – The connection between trafficking and modern-day slavery
11:08 – Graduating from a safe home: Then what?
16:47 – Why rehabilitation isn’t profitable—but why we must still do it
17:56 – Bekah explains transitional housing and restoration services
20:25 – Clarifying safe homes vs. restoration homes
23:07 – Outro: Join the fight to end trafficking

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon to stay up to date on future episodes.

#HumanTrafficking #BekahCharleston #SurvivorStories #SexTrafficking #RestorationNotRescue #USIAHT #TraffickingFreeAmerica #KidsNotForSale #AbolitionistMovement

What Survivors of Sex Trafficking Really Need: Bekah Charleston’s Story & the Road to True Restoration - Part 1 | S6, E1

The U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking and Kids Not For Sale presents a special new, 4-part episode titled “Starting and Supporting a Safe Home.” In this season, we sit down with Brandy Cristafulli, the Founder and President of LifeRecaptured, a safe home out of Florida that provides shelter, restoration, and healing for trafficked women throughout the United States.
In this season, Brandy shares with us how she began her safe home, how she runs her safe home, and what she has learned along the way. This is extremely insightful for anyone wanting to end human trafficking in America. We can all be educated on where to assist organizations that help victims of human trafficking, but this dives in even deeper. Whether you are wanting to begin a safe home or simply just support, Brandy provides the proper directions for how to do just that. It goes beyond loving and caring - we must be ready to provide a service that may seem unorthodox to some of us, but helps victims restore their lives.

In this episode, we discuss how hard it is for safe homes to raise enough support (both finances and resources) and how we, as a community, can do a better job to support our local safe homes. We also talk about ways NOT to support a safe home. We may think it’s helpful or a good ideal, but what matters is fulfilling a need that will help these survivors of human trafficking heal and thrive toward restoration.

If you want to become more educated and engaged in the fight to end human trafficking, subscribe to become an Abolitionist at usiaht.org/abolitionist

Best Ways to Support Safe Homes | Starting and Supporting a Safe Home - Season 5, Episode 4

The U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking and Kids Not For Sale presents a special new, 4-part episode titled “Starting and Supporting a Safe Home.” In this season, we sit down with Brandy Cristafulli, the Founder and President of LifeRecaptured, a safe home out of Florida that provides shelter, restoration, and healing for trafficked women throughout the United States.
In this season, Brandy shares with us how she began her safe home, how she runs her safe home, and what she has learned along the way. This is extremely insightful for anyone wanting to end human trafficking in America. We can all be educated on where to assist organizations that help victims of human trafficking, but this dives in even deeper. Whether you are wanting to begin a safe home or simply just support, Brandy provides the proper directions for how to do just that. It goes beyond loving and caring - we must be ready to provide a service that may seem unorthodox to some of us, but helps victims restore their lives.

In this episode, we dive in to the process Brandy built for her LifeRecaptured safe home. This process is a tested and proven practice that helps restore women away from their life of abuse and slavery into a life where they can begin to thrive (not just survive). Learn from failures, learn from successes, and listen to the reasons why Brandy created these steps.

If you want to become more educated and engaged in the fight to end human trafficking, subscribe to become an Abolitionist at usiaht.org/abolitionist

What A Safe Home Should Be Accomplishing | Starting and Supporting a Safe Home, Season 5, Episode 3

The U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking and Kids Not For Sale presents a special new, 4-part episode titled “Starting and Supporting a Safe Home.” In this season, we sit down with Brandy Cristafulli, the Founder and President of LifeRecaptured, a safe home out of Florida that provides shelter, restoration, and healing for trafficked women throughout the United States.
In this season, Brandy shares with us how she began her safe home, how she runs her safe home, and what she has learned along the way. This is extremely insightful for anyone wanting to end human trafficking in America. We can all be educated on where to assist organizations that help victims of human trafficking, but this dives in even deeper. Whether you are wanting to begin a safe home or simply just support, Brandy provides the proper directions for how to do just that. It goes beyond loving and caring - we must be ready to provide a service that may seem unorthodox to some of us, but helps victims restore their lives.

In this episode, we talk about starting a safe home. This may seem too far fetched for most as starting a safe home is a huge task and, understandably, only a select few are truly called to do. However, understanding what goes into starting a safe home is very important information. It can help shape how you get involved, help support, or simply approach the ministry of serving trafficked victims.

If you want to become more educated and engaged in the fight to end human trafficking, subscribe to become an Abolitionist at usiaht.org/abolitionist

The Importance of Training and Preparing | Starting and Supporting a Safe Home - Season 5, Episode 2

Human Trafficking is a grave problem in America and likely in your city. Misinformation, manipulation, and demand allow human trafficking to flourish in the shadows. Our goal at The US Institute Against Human Trafficking is to end human trafficking in America by educating citizens and lawmakers, disrupting sex trade activities and demand, and partnering with like-minded organizations to fight human trafficking together. In this podcast, survivors will tell their stories and truths about human trafficking and share what is actively decreasing human trafficking. By listening to this podcast, you are learning how you can grow your community to unite against human trafficking. This war will not be won overnight, but it can be won together.

Trafficking Free America

U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking's Show

Our focus at USIAHT is to end human trafficking in America through prevention tactics (education), victim care, and legislation involvement.

U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking

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