Human Trafficking: Evil, online risks & how to help – a talk with Mikhaela Gray-Beerman

The Pulse Podcast is about living abundantly wholeheartedly.

It includes feature topics, interviews, and weekly biblical studies.

This episode is a talk with Mikhaela Gray-Beerman about human trafficking.

Yes, modern slavery still exists. It’s the nightmare that isn’t a dream. In this episode we talk about:

Different kinds of trafficking
The Canadian situation and the recent increase in online exploitation
Ways to help
Online predators, what they look for in youth (through social media and gaming) and how ‘grooming’ occurs
How pornography fuels trafficking
A personal story from Mikhaela about what motivates her to be engaged in this fight

Before we get started, let me tell you a bit about my guest. Mikhaela is an anti-trafficking advocate and educator. The work she does is informed by the many inspiring women and girls who have entrusted their stories with her. She is the host of a RogersTV television program on human trafficking called Freedom Fighters: Code Gray. During her graduate studies at York University, she completed her Masters of Education thesis on the trafficking of women and girls in India. Earlier in 2021 she was also selected as one of York University’s ‘Top 30 Under 30 Changemakers.’ I’ve come to know Mikhaela personally over the past few years and really value her passion, intelligence and vibrant faith.

Please note that this is serious and sensitive subject matter.

Let’s listen in.

Notes, references and links:

Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-833-900-1010
https://www.canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca/
Cybertip.ca
Needhelpnow.ca
Fortify
Fightthenewdrug.org
EFC Pornography Action Kit
“The Porn Problem,” book by Vaughan Roberts

Canadian Christian anti-trafficking organizations:

Bridgenorth
Defend Dignity (there are prayer/study guides available here – scroll to bottom)
Elora’s House
Fight4Freedom

In 2018 I released a book called Up! – 313 devotionals to help you start your day in a biblical, relevant way. 100% of the proceeds are going to Fight4Freedom, an anti-trafficking organization. You can learn more about the book here.