A victim of CSA, trafficked 3 times and now a powerful survivor: Amanda Blackwood

Between The Before & After (The Stories that Shape Us)

In this heartfelt and enlightening episode, our host Jon delves deep into the extraordinary life of Amanda, a brave survivor of abuse and trafficking and advocate against human trafficking. From confronting personal traumas to finding enduring love and friendship, Amanda’s compelling narrative embodies resilience, understanding, and the indomitable spirit of survival.

Key Takeaways:

Recognizing and Overcoming Trauma:

• Amanda revisits her harrowing experiences of “being trafficked via a dating site in Scotland” and the crucial steps she took toward self-healing and empowerment.

Building Trust in Relationships:

• Amanda shares the touching story of “meeting her now-husband on the very platform that was once a source of torment, laying the foundation of trust by being open about her past from the get-go.”

The Unwavering Bond of Friendship:

• The remarkable story of her friendship with Collette, who stands as a beacon of “unconditional support and understanding.”

Combatting Ignorance on Human Trafficking:

• Amanda stresses the importance of “dispelling common myths surrounding human trafficking and advocating for accurate understanding to foster real change.”

The Journey of Self-Restoration:

• Amanda articulates her ongoing journey of “rewiring and retraining” her brain to cope with complex PTSD, showcasing the continuous effort needed to heal from profound trauma.

The Essential Fight Against Human Trafficking:

• Amanda’s passionate advocacy in “raising awareness and directly combating human trafficking” shines a light on the necessity for informed action and community involvement.

Empowering Others Through Storytelling:

• Through her candidness, Amanda inspires others to “seek available resources and take hold of their future, emphasizing that strength is inherent and not derived from past adversities.”

A Candid Discussion on Misunderstandings:

• Addressing the “galling ignorance” encountered when discussing human trafficking, Amanda opens up a crucial conversation on compassion versus ignorance.

Resources Mentioned:

• Department of Homeland Security - For an accurate understanding of human trafficking.
• Amanda’s autobiography - A deeper dive into her life’s journey.

Connect with Amanda:

• Amanda’s Advocacy Website
• Twitter

Episode Timestamps:

• [00:01] Introduction to Amanda’s Journey
• [13:15] Discovering the Strength Within
• [25:40] Unveiling the Realities of Human Trafficking
• [38:25] The Power of Friendship and Love in Healing
• [52:10] Addressing Common Misconceptions
• [1:14:26] Amanda’s Love Story
• [1:18:33] The Fight Against Human Trafficking: Raising Awareness
• [1:23:55] Closing Thoughts: Taking Hold of Your Future