What does it really take to fight sex trafficking and protect the women being exploited? In this episode of Ashes & Beauty, we sit down with Greenville City Police Captain Alia Paramore to talk about sex trafficking in Greenville, law enforcement’s evolving response, and why seeing the whole person behind the call matters.

Captain Paramore shares how she became involved with Switch and why advocating for women experiencing exploitation has become such an important part of her work. We discuss the challenges facing our community, the misconceptions surrounding sex trafficking, and how law enforcement and nonprofits can work together to help women find a path toward safety and restoration.

We also talk about Greenville City PD’s work addressing illicit massage businesses and the role Switch played in supporting women during an operation. Captain Paramore explains why the response cannot stop at an arrest, and it must include understanding what brought a woman into that situation and meeting her immediate needs without causing additional trauma.

She shares a powerful story about patiently building trust with a woman who had been traumatized by law enforcement and how simply being willing to sit with her helped her begin to overcome that fear.

🚨 In this episode, we discuss:
• The realities of sex trafficking in Greenville
• How law enforcement is changing its response to vulnerable women
• Why deeper questions can reveal hidden exploitation
• The importance of law enforcement and nonprofit partnerships
• The connection between pornography and demand
• Why officers (and the general public) can't be anti-trafficking while ignoring pornography
• What gives Captain Paramore hope in this fight

This conversation is a powerful reminder that fighting trafficking isn't just about enforcement. It's about seeing people, building trust, restoring dignity, and bringing hope into some of the darkest situations in our community.

Support the show

To join the fight against trafficking and exploitation, visit www.switchsc.org. You can sign up to volunteer or donate and become a monthly supporter!

God Bless!