How Trafficking Really Happens + The Shame That Keeps It Hidden | Jennisue Jessen

Human trafficking doesn’t usually look like the headlines.

In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, Jess sits down with Jennisue Jessen, a survivor of human trafficking and Founder & CEO of Compass 31, to unpack what exploitation actually looks like, why it so often goes unnoticed, and how shame keeps survivors silent.

Jennisue shares parts of her lived experience, including being trafficked beginning at a very young age, and the long journey of healing, identity reclamation, and stepping into leadership after trauma. Together, they discuss common myths about trafficking, prevention and red flags, systemic complicity, the role of shame, and what it truly means to move from survival into agency and empowerment.

This episode is for survivors, parents, educators, caregivers, and anyone who wants a deeper, more honest understanding of exploitation, resilience, and the human capacity to heal.

⚠️ Trigger Warning:

This episode contains discussions of child sexual abuse, human trafficking and exploitation, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. Listener discretion is advised. Please take care while listening and pause if you need to. Your well-being matters.

🔗 Learn more about Jennisue and the work of Compass 31:

https://compass31.org/

💛 Connect with Jess:

Website: www.jessicavanrose.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/jessvanrose

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejessvanrose

🎙️🤩 Want to be a guest on Life After Trauma? Send Jess a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/jessicavanrose

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