What role does healthcare play in identifying and supporting survivors of human trafficking?

In this episode, Jessica and Audrey sit down with Beth Petrucce, a longtime advocate and healthcare leader, to discuss how hospitals, healthcare professionals, and community partnerships are helping strengthen the response to human trafficking across Indiana.

Beth shares how her background in social work led her into anti-trafficking work, what trauma-informed care truly looks like inside healthcare settings, and why everyone from physicians to environmental services staff can play a role in recognizing signs of exploitation and helping survivors feel safe.

Together, they unpack the importance of collaboration between hospitals, nonprofits, law enforcement, and community organizations while offering practical ways everyday people can become more aware and involved in anti-trafficking efforts.

This episode is both eye-opening and hopeful, reminding us that meaningful change happens when communities work together.

What You Will Learn:

Why healthcare professionals are uniquely positioned to identify human trafficking survivors.

How trauma-informed care helps survivors feel safe enough to receive support.

What the PEAR model is and how it guides healthcare responses to trafficking situations.

Why education for frontline healthcare staff is critical in trafficking prevention and response.

How hospitals collaborate with nonprofits, law enforcement, and community organizations to support survivors.

The difference between common misconceptions about trafficking and what trafficking often looks like in real life.

Practical ways community members can become more informed and involved in anti-trafficking work.

Why self-care and emotional wellness matter for professionals working in trauma response roles.

How data, partnerships, and ongoing training strengthen survivor-centered systems of care.

What gives long-term advocates hope in the fight against human trafficking.

FAQ:

What does trauma-informed care mean in healthcare?

Trauma-informed care means interacting with patients in ways that prioritize safety, trust, respect, and emotional awareness. Instead of pressuring survivors for information, providers focus on creating a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered and heard.

What are some signs of human trafficking healthcare workers may notice?

Potential signs can include someone appearing fearful, controlled by another person, lacking access to identification, showing signs of abuse or neglect, inconsistencies in their story, or being unable to speak privately during appointments.

How can community members help fight human trafficking?

People can support anti-trafficking efforts by learning the realities of trafficking, volunteering with local organizations, mentoring vulnerable youth, supporting survivor-centered nonprofits, and knowing how to report concerns safely through proper channels.

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What if one trusted teacher could change the trajectory of a child’s life? In this episode, Jessica and Audrey sit down with Dr. Keeanna Warren, CEO of Purdue Polytechnic High School, to explore the powerful intersection between education and anti-trafficking work. Together, they unpack how schools can become protective spaces for vulnerable youth, why relationships matter more than ever, and what educators, parents, and communities can do to better support students navigating trauma, mental health struggles, and identity development.

Dr. Warren shares how her schools are reimagining education through restorative practices, relationship-centered learning, and student empowerment while also addressing the real challenges students face today, including social media pressure, mental health concerns, domestic violence, and exploitation.

This conversation is a reminder that preventing trafficking is not just the responsibility of one organization or system. It takes all of us working together to create safe spaces where young people are seen, valued, and supported.

What You Will Learn:

How education and anti-trafficking efforts intersect in everyday life.

Why strong relationships with trusted adults are a major protective factor for students.

The importance of teaching students how to think instead of what to think.

How restorative practices can help students feel emotionally and physically safe at school.

Why mental health support and community partnerships are essential for student success.

How social media and technology are impacting students’ mental health and identity development.

Ways teachers and schools can recognize warning signs of abuse, trafficking, or unsafe situations.

Why empowering students to educate and advocate for their peers can create lasting change.

How communities can support schools and vulnerable youth before crisis situations happen.

The role parents, educators, churches, mentors, and organizations all play in protecting children.

FAQ:

How can schools help prevent human trafficking?

Schools can help prevent human trafficking by building strong relationships with students, training educators to recognize warning signs, creating emotionally safe environments, and partnering with community organizations that support vulnerable youth.

What are protective factors that help keep students safe?

Protective factors include trusted adult relationships, emotional support, safe school environments, mental health resources, community involvement, and positive peer connections.

Why are teachers important in identifying trafficking or abuse?

Teachers interact with students daily and are often able to notice behavioral changes, emotional distress, attendance issues, or signs that something may be wrong in a student’s life.

Most parents think human trafficking looks like a stranger in a van, but today, it’s happening through screens, games, and social media. Alyssa Van Vactor, Executive Director of kNot Today works to share knowledge and resources that educate families and parents about human trafficking. Join hosts Jessica Evans and Audrey Hood as they share stories and resources for you to learn and be an everyday advocate.

This episode breaks down how online grooming actually works, why even “good kids from good families” are at risk, and what parents, caregivers, and communities can do to protect the next generation.

You’ll also hear practical tools, real-life examples, and simple ways to start conversations that could make all the difference.

If you have kids, work with kids, or simply care about protecting them, this is a conversation you cannot afford to skip.

What You Will Learn:

How online grooming is now one of the leading pathways into human trafficking.

What predators are actually doing inside games, apps, and social platforms.

Why kids are especially vulnerable due to brain development and emotional needs.

How insecurity, loneliness, and curiosity are being exploited online.

What red flags to watch for in both children and suspicious behavior.

Simple ways to start age-appropriate conversations about online safety.

How to monitor devices and apps without completely losing trust.

What tools and resources exist to help parents stay proactive.

Why awareness, not fear, is the key to prevention.

FAQ:

How does online activity connect to human trafficking?

Many trafficking situations now begin with online grooming, where predators build trust through conversations before exploiting or manipulating a child.

What apps or platforms are most risky?

Any platform with chat features, including gaming systems, social media, and messaging apps, can be used for grooming if not monitored.

At what age should parents start talking about online safety?

Conversations can begin as early as toddler years with body safety, and should evolve into deeper discussions about relationships, boundaries, and online behavior as kids grow.

What are signs a child might be at risk?

Changes in behavior, secrecy around devices, new “friends” they won’t explain, or sudden exposure to inappropriate content can all be warning signs.

FREE COMMUNITY EVENT

MAY 12 AT 6:30 PM EST

Ascension St. Vincent – William K. Nasser, MD, Healthcare Education and Simulation Center

1801 W 86th Street

Indianapolis, 46260

Register here:

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/alliesinc/event/empoweredtoprotectonlinesafetyforfamilies/

More about kNot Today: https://knottoday.org/

kNot Today Child Protection Guide for Parents & Caregivers: https://knottoday.org/guide/

https://www.defendyoungminds.com

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Allies, Inc empowers survivors of trafficking & sexual exploitation through mentorship and family support

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