Human trafficking is often imagined as something distant or obvious — a crime that happens elsewhere or looks a certain way. But across Mississippi, survivors and advocates say trafficking often exists in plain sight, built on trust, manipulation and silence.

In this episode of Matter of Fact, we go behind the reporting of the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center’s story, “From Trust to Trafficking: Mississippi survivor shares story of being an invisible victim.” Through the firsthand account of survivor Amber Eide, the episode explores how trafficking can begin with an ordinary encounter, unfold over years and remain unseen by those closest to it. Her story challenges common assumptions about who trafficking affects, how it happens and why victims often struggle to seek help.

Reporter Morgan Gill joins host Hilawe Tibebe for a Behind the Lens conversation about reporting on trauma responsibly, building trust with survivors and navigating the ethical challenges of telling deeply personal stories. Together, they reflect on how survivor-centered journalism can expose hidden patterns while honoring the voices of those most impacted.

The episode also places individual experiences within a broader statewide context, examining Mississippi data that shows trafficking occurs across all 82 counties — not just in urban areas — and highlighting ongoing efforts to improve identification, training and survivor services.

Plus, in our What Is True? segment, Media Literacy Coordinator Walker Scott breaks down how misinformation and sensationalized narratives distort public understanding of human trafficking. He explains how media literacy can help communities recognize real warning signs, question viral myths and better understand the complex realities survivors face.

At its core, this episode underscores why accurate, community-centered journalism matters — especially for crimes designed to remain invisible. It’s a reminder that understanding trafficking starts with listening to survivors, replacing myths with facts and ensuring that trust, truth and accountability remain at the center of public conversation.