#245: It's Happening Right Here with Tim Ballard

Trigger Warning: This episode may be emotionally challenging and contains discussions of child trafficking and exploitation. Listener discretion is advised. Themes: Child & Human Trafficking, Child Exploitation, Pornography, Sex Education, Online Grooming Summary: You probably know by now that I’m all about having difficult yet necessary conversations, and this episode with Tim Ballard is no exception. Tim is an anti-human trafficking activist, author, and the founder and CEO of Operation Underground Railroad. His work has both inspired me and made me feel incredibly naive about what goes on under our noses in most communities across the country and the world. Tim spent over a decade working as a Special Agent for the Department of Homeland Security, where he was assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and was deployed as an undercover operative for the U.S. Child Sex Tourism Jump Team. He has worked every type of case imaginable in the fight to dismantle child trafficking rings, both in the United States and in multiple foreign countries. He has successfully dismantled dozens of these organizations and rescued children from slavery and exploitation. While working for the government, Tim saw how much more needed to be done in the fight against child trafficking and exploitation across the world. In 2013, Tim and a team of former government operatives left the security of their careers to go about the work of rescuing children as a private foundation - Operation Underground Railroad. At O.U.R., Tim envisioned a team that could work in any jurisdiction and work with law enforcement to rescue children directly. That team exists today all over the world. Discover: The shocking number of human trafficking victims in the US each year and how much money this horrific industry is worth Real life stories and tactics of how children & teens are being lured into trafficking and being exploited right here in developed countries and good homes Why most people are afraid to take action or learn the truth about this industry The number one thing you can do to help protect children The impacts of porn on the brain and how an over-sexualized society is a key factor in child exploitation and trafficking 00:00 Intro 01:46 The effects of the pandemic on child abuse 03:44 Child trafficking 12:38 Educational grooming 15:14 Sex education 20:00 Teenagers should be able to talk with professionals 24:43 How does human trafficking commonly happen? 31:16 Greatest challenge in fighting the issue 34:19 Not wanting to know the truth 37:21 How you can protect the children 38:43 Is it happening everywhere? 40:28 Impact of pornography Links: Website | ourrescue.org Facebook | @OURrescue Twitter | @ourrescue Instagram | @ourrescue TikTok | @ourrescue Youtube | @ourrescue Documentary | Operation Toussaint Fight the New Drug | fightthenewdrug.org Sponsors: Cured Nutrition | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% off all products at curednutrition.com/createthelove Create the Love Cards | Use code CTLCARDS15 for 15% off at createthelove.com/cards Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands