Nobody Noticed: The Making of a Target
In the Season 2 premiere of Fracture to Flourish, host Bryce Butler traces how trafficking risk is often built long before a trafficker appears.
Through survivor testimony and expert insight, this episode follows the pathway that can start with abuse and instability at home, continue through placement moves and missed warning signs, and end with a young person searching for belonging in the wrong places.
You’ll hear from Lauren about entering foster care after domestic violence. Researcher Dr. Jeanne L. Allert explains why childhood abuse and instability show up so consistently in trafficking patterns, including the difficult reality of familial and caregiver trafficking. Ashlee Lucas outlines warning signs that schools and communities can miss. Former U.S. Ambassador‑at‑Large John Richmond describes how foster care scaled as a crisis response without being designed around what children need, and why traffickers intentionally target youth who are isolated and unsupported. And Dr. Jennifer Jacobs (Connect Our Kids) names the prevention infrastructure underneath it all: safe, lasting relationships.
Content advisory: This episode includes discussion of abuse and exploitation involving children and families. Please take care as you listen.
Resources
National Human Trafficking Hotline (US): Call 1‑888‑373‑7888 or text BEFREE (233733)
RAINN (sexual assault support): rainn.org
National Runaway Safeline: 1‑800‑RUNAWAY (786‑2929) or 1800runaway.org
NAMI (mental health support): nami.org
