Rebekah Hope shares her personal story of surviving childhood sexual abuse, gang activity, and human trafficking. Rebekah’s story begins at a young age in Billings, Montana, takes her to Atlanta, Georgia where she escapes with her life, and follows her back to Montana where she begins her healing journey. In this conversation, Rebekah emphasizes the importance of recognizing and supporting survivors of childhood sexual trauma, the physical and psychological health challenges that survivors experience, and the need for comprehensive, victim-centered, long-term care services.

Penny and Rebekah share how survivor stories have a powerful impact on the fight against human trafficking. Survivor stories inspire others and shape legislation. This episode also highlights how survivors learn to trust people again and emphasizes that spiritual options for healing should be under the control of the survivor and never forced upon them.

To learn more about the Yellowstone Human Trafficking Task Force, please visit our website HERE.

Host: Penny Ronning Writer: Penny Ronning Producers: Penny Ronning, Ty Lowe Editor: Ty Lowe Sound Designer/Engineer: Ty Lowe Music: Ty Lowe, Konstantin Klimov Graphic Design: Rae Clark Website: Justin Townsend

Rebekah Hope Bio

Rebekah, a courageous survivor, has faced unimaginable challenges in her life. Her story sheds light on the horrors of sex trafficking and the resilience of those who survive it.

Rebekah’s story highlights the complexities of sex trafficking. It’s important to Rebekah for people to understand that victims come from diverse backgrounds, including both foreign nationals and U.S. citizens. Victims are coerced through violence, threats, and deception. Some are lured with false promises, while others are forced into prostitution by their family members.

Rebekah's resilience is a shining example of the strength of survivors despite the darkness endured. Her journey underscores the urgent need to combat human trafficking. As a survivor of sex trafficking, she understands the powerful impact that sharing her story and advocating for change can have.

Rebekah holds an undergraduate degree she earned with honors and is currently working toward her master’s degree. She is dedicated to counseling young women and ultimately earning her PhD to provide even greater support to survivors in need.