Dr. Gertrude speaks with Alexandra Ford, a former trafficking victim turned activist, who after 10 years of personal hardships, recognized her experiences were actually human trafficking. Alexandra tells Dr. Gertrude about the importance of understanding human trafficking whether or not you have children. Hollywood has muddled the public perception of what human trafficking actually is and most people think it is only some version of Taken.  When it comes to teaching children about consent and trafficking, the work begins early but maybe not as you’d expect. Alexandra advises that a wider understanding and normalization of consent is crucial. Not only does no mean no, but yes also means yes and within very specific situations. Alexandra also advises closely monitoring a child’s phone usage and how they navigate the digital realm. Having strict rules around phones and actually teaching children phone safety are helpful practices for instilling lasting digital safety habits. These habits will form trust between you and them, which will better equip them to trust themselves in avoiding potentially dangerous online situations in the future. For Alexandra the early years of motherhood have been complex, more like surviving than thriving, which is something that she accepts and wishes other moms knew they are allowed to feel. Her past traumas returned in unexpected ways.  Empowered by her own trafficking experience, legal education, and advocacy work, Alexandra brings awareness to the reality of trafficking and how to counter shame and stigma in victims. She co-founded the advocacy group, Uprising, in Wyoming and her personal brand, The Laughing Survivor, in British Columbia. She is passionate about educating mothers on the importance of safety for children. Episode Outline:  (04:12) Human trafficking is important to understand whether or not you have children (06:52) Alexandra shares her addiction and trafficking story (18:30) Shame, victim blaming, coercion, and consent (26:08) #1 myth of how trafficking happens (27:63) Best way to protect yourself and community: talk about consent (29:01) Children’s online safety and building cell phone trust  (40:19) 3 practical examples of teaching consent (48:25) What rewrite the mother code means for Alexandra (53:50) Conclusion Connect with Dr. Gertrude  Learn more on Dr. Gertrude’s website Follow Dr. Gertrude on Instagram Stay in the loop and sign up to Dr. Gertrude’s newsletter Connect with Alexandra Learn more about The Laughing Survivor Follow Alexandra on Instagram Sign up for updates on Alexandra’s memoir release Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about the 2024 Spring Equinox Self-Mothering Retreat at https://www.drgertrudelyons.com/spring-equinox-24