Speaking Topics
Familial Sex Trafficking: An Insider’s Perspective
Mary Jo Ross grew up in a family that practiced familial sex trafficking, satanic ritual abuse, and other types of abuse. With 17 years of lived experience, Mary Jo focuses this presentation on the prevalence of familial sex trafficking with an inside perspective on what it was like to be trafficked by four family members. She shares some personal stories, research, signs, and what to do when you think you know someone is being trafficked.
Supporting Abuse Survivors During Their Healing
After all the times they were shamed, told that they “asked for it” or “wanted it,” or family members or loved ones were threatened if the sexual and/or other abuse was ever reported, survivors need people to listen, support, and be there for them. I share tips to help you prepare for and support a survivor while they are in the healing process.
This presentation is based on Mary Jo’s personal experience over 40 years of her healing journey. It includes tips for things to think about, what to do or not to do, and ones you may never have thought about when interacting with abuse survivors (all types). This is not meant to be formal mental health training.
Fighting to Tell My Story
Often, survivors are not believed when they try to tell someone about what is happening or has happened. I share my struggles as an adult when I wanted help to ensure the cycle was broken and my children were safe. Professionals told me I was lying and making stuff up to get attention. Nothing could have been further from the truth. Because I persisted, I found the help I needed, went from survivor to thriver, protected my children, and have a wonderful life now. I also share tips on how to act when you want to support a survivor in their journey.
MJ Customizes each presentation to fit audience training needs:
- Mental Health Providers
- Mental Health Staff
- Law Enforcement
- Educators
- Victim and Survivor Advocates
- Nurses
- Mid-level Providers
- Physicians
- Holistic Healers (acupuncture, chiropractic, massage therapists)
- Faith Communities
- Nonprofits
- Civic and Community Groups,
- Survivors and Their Supporters
Victims and Survivors of Trauma
Most people think of physical injury when they hear the word trauma. It could be from a car accident, sporting event, domestic violence, service injuries or something else. People don’t realize that spiritual, mental, and emotional trauma also happen along with physical trauma.
Some signs:
- Being hypervigilant or easily startled
- Having difficult paying attention or concentrating
- Portraying negative thoughts about themselves and the world
- Feeling guilt or blame
- Losing interest in enjoyable activities
BIO
Mary Jo is an accomplished professional who has owned multiple businesses with a history of national accolades and professional success. Her current work as a sought-after speaker, author and advocate arose from her passion to help the most vulnerable avoid/escape from the severe abuse she survived in her formative years.
As a lived-experience survivor of familial sex trafficking as well as someone who broke away from a generational satanic cult, Mary Jo today speaks and teaches practical insights on childhood abuse to groups of medical and mental health professionals, law enforcement, and non-profit leaders.