Mary Jo Ross as your Podcast Guest
Mary Jo Ross is an accomplished author, dynamic speaker, and passionate advocate dedicated to raising awareness about human trafficking and empowering survivors.
Podcast Appearances:
Past Appearances:
Get the Conversation Started
Topics She Talks About:
Why people don’t realize they are being trafficked
It happens more than anyone wants to believe (or realize).
Vulnerability is a key factor:
- Food, shelter, and a place to sleep are important, but so are safety and the need to feel seen, heard, loved, protected, and wanted. Those are the priorities of the vulnerable readily identified by predators who know how to groom them.
- Abusers often perceive these needs easily and immediately understand how to win over trust and meet the unfulfilled need (like a magnet to metal) from afar. They know how to swoop in and say precisely what the victim is aching to feel, hear or experience. Once the bond is made, it creates a bond with the victim. After this bonding happens, the behavior of the abuser slightly and slowly changes, until the victim is convinced it’s their fault it’s happening. Once the abuser has the victim believing the things they do to the victim are the victim’s fault, it’s like an open house for the abuser.
7 Things to Do (& NOT DO) when you’ve seen someone you think is being trafficked.
You don’t have to be 100% certain to help a victim. Do not intervene directly, but there are seven critical steps you CAN take that will help the victim the most!
If you intervene at that moment, it WILL backfire on the victim, and it puts your own life at risk. Guaranteed.
These 7 Steps are more important, impactful, and effective than you saying something in the moment. Learn what these are so you can be informed and make a difference that lasts.
On the Journey from Surviving to Thriving, Workaholism is a Common Pit Stop
Mary Jo wrote this book to help others who have likely experienced some level of trauma or rejection, though not necessarily being trafficked or severely abused. This speaking topic is also near and dear to her heart. She has observed that many other people use this coping mechanism. She has broken through this barrier and loves to share how to create healthy boundaries around work and personal life endeavors.
*For example, I didn’t realize until I was in my 50’s that I had been sex trafficked during my childhood. This topic is focused on helping current victims recognize the truth, as well as professionals working in this space to understand the mindset of their victimized clients.
What she’s up to:
Business
Travel
Books
Downloadable Headshots
