Michelle Chaffardet

The Mindful Space

Michelle Chaffardet

  • Human Trafficking and Mental Health with Rebecca Bender

Human Trafficking and Mental Health with Rebecca Bender

Friday 22nd September 2023

Join Michelle Chaffardet as she talks with Rebecca Bender, a trafficking survivor turned advocate, about resilience, recovery, and combating human trafficking.
61 minutes
Empowering
Inspiring
Informative
Hopeful
Compassionate

About this podcast

The Mindful Space
Author:
Michelle Chaffardet
Overview:
Categories:
Mindful Recovery
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Healing Relationships
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Innovative Healing Arts
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
91 (View all)
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Rebecca Bender: Rising from the Shadows of Human Trafficking

Episode Overview

  • Rebecca shares firsthand experiences and insights into the complexities of human trafficking and the journey of recovery and reintegration
  • Discussions about training programs for law enforcement and supporting survivors offer valuable perspectives on combating human trafficking
  • Insights into trauma, mental health, and resilience empower and inspire listeners
  • Rebecca's journey from survivor to activist highlights the transformative power of purpose and advocacy
  • The conversation dispels common myths and misconceptions about human trafficking, fostering greater understanding and compassion
As a survivor of human trafficking myself, I can remember, you know, going to jail lots of times as a victim. And then the feds raided our home in 06, which, you know, led to a federal investigation and prison time for the other victims. And so I think when I first got out of trafficking, I can remember sitting at my kitchen table thinking, now what? And I thought, this isn't freedom. Yeah, I was able to run and flee, but this still didn't feel like freedom. I felt very trapped coming back to the same vulnerabilities that, you know, got me trafficked in the first place. So as I sat there and I kind of thought like, this isn't freedom. It inspired me to start figuring out how to use my story for purpose, how to make some calls to action with my testimony, not just tell a sob story, but really create, you know, be a part of a movement that can create change.
Ever wondered what it's like to escape the clutches of human trafficking and turn that experience into a beacon of hope for others? In this episode of 'The Mindful Space', Michelle Chaffardet sits down with Rebecca Bender, a survivor, activist, and entrepreneur who has dedicated her life to fighting human trafficking. Rebecca's story is not just about surviving; it's about thriving and helping others do the same.
She shares her harrowing journey through six years of captivity and the mental health struggles she faced along the way. But Rebecca didn't stop at survival. She founded Elevate Academy, an online school helping survivors rebuild their lives, and developed specialized training programs that have educated over 115,000 professionals, including members of the FBI and Homeland Security. Rebecca's insights into recognizing trafficking victims and understanding the vulnerabilities that lead to exploitation are invaluable.
This episode isn't just a deep dive into the darkness of human trafficking; it's a powerful testament to resilience and the human spirit's capacity for recovery and advocacy. If you're looking for inspiration and practical advice on overcoming trauma, this conversation is a must-listen.