The Institute to Address Commercial Sexual Exploitation at Villanova Law

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The Institute to Address Commercial Sexual Exploitation at Villanova Law The CSE Institute educates and provides technical assistance to those who respond to commercial sexual exploitation in Pennsylvania.

We educate and provide technical assistance to those who respond to commercial sexual exploitation in Pennsylvania, the United States and beyond, promoting victim-centered, trauma-informed multidisciplinary collaboration. We equip policy-makers and the broader community with the skills and knowledge they need to improve the legal system’s response to commercial sexual exploitation, in order to support survivors and hold perpetrators accountable. We center the experiences of survivors to inform the development of policies and best practices to combat commercial sexual exploitation and are committed to engaging the survivor community in shaping our positions. We aim to create a community in which every human being is treated with dignity, compassion, and respect inspired by Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law’s Catholic and Augustinian mission.

Introducing our 2026-27 Research Assistants: Phoebe Tuite, Alexandra Labonte, and Camryn Williams-Babu!Phoebe, Alexandra...
10/19/2026

Introducing our 2026-27 Research Assistants: Phoebe Tuite, Alexandra Labonte, and Camryn Williams-Babu!

Phoebe, Alexandra, and Camryn have all been a part of the CSE Institute since Fall 2025, when they joined as 2L externs. Thank you all for your continued dedication to the Institute!

was a teenage survivor of repeated child r**e whose life was marked by sexual abuse, violence, and neglect. Her trial ...
09/17/2026

was a teenage survivor of repeated child r**e whose life was marked by sexual abuse, violence, and neglect. Her trial lawyer never explained the impact of this abuse to the jury that convicted her of capital murder. Sentencing her to death without hearing her life story is another act of gendered violence.

Christa is scheduled to be executed in less than two weeks. Help stop this injustice. Sign the petition for clemency (linked in our bio) and tell Tennessee Governor Lee that executing victims of child r**e is unacceptable. .

We are thrilled to announce the publication of our 2026 Annual Report!The focus of this year’s report is partnership: th...
08/14/2026

We are thrilled to announce the publication of our 2026 Annual Report!

The focus of this year’s report is partnership: the fourth P in the law’s anti-trafficking paradigm.

We invite you to read the full report at CSEInstitute.org (also readily accessible through the link in our bio).

Senate Bill 45 was signed into law, bringing Pennsylvania one step closer to the Equality Model!S.B. 45 aids state anti-...
08/10/2026

Senate Bill 45 was signed into law, bringing Pennsylvania one step closer to the Equality Model!

S.B. 45 aids state anti-trafficking efforts by: reclassifying the former “prostitution-related offenses,” reallocating recidivist penalties, replacing outdated language, and decriminalizing HIV status.

Read the Institute’s blog and learn more about S.B. 45 at CSEInstitute.org/news

Mark your calendars for Thursday, August 13 from 5-7PM and join us for a fun shopping event with in support of the CSE ...
08/03/2026

Mark your calendars for Thursday, August 13 from 5-7PM and join us for a fun shopping event with in support of the CSE Institute!

15% of the proceeds will be donated to the Institute.

RSVP at [email protected]. We hope to see you there!

Preventing human trafficking starts with awareness. Learn the signs of human trafficking, trust your instincts, speak up...
07/13/2026

Preventing human trafficking starts with awareness.

Learn the signs of human trafficking, trust your instincts, speak up if something doesn’t feel right, and support victims and survivors.

When we all do our part, we help build safer communities.

Learn more at: pa.gov/humantrafficking

Earlier this month, CSE Institute Director Shea Rhodes travelled to the State Capital to take part in Pennsylvania Human...
06/20/2026

Earlier this month, CSE Institute Director Shea Rhodes travelled to the State Capital to take part in Pennsylvania Human Trafficking Advocacy Day.

Rhodes joined other members of the Pennsylvanians Against Human Trafficking Advocacy Work Group, as well as anti-trafficking advocates, survivors, service providers, and legislative partners from across Pennsylvania in a day of action, visibility, and partnership.

During the press conference, Rhodes previewed statistics from the CSE Institute’s soon-to-be released Annual Report and championed the brave survivors standing alongside her for speaking out and advocating for legislative change.

Lessons from the Gilgo Beach Murders.The language used to describe people in prostitution shapes public perception, whic...
05/14/2026

Lessons from the Gilgo Beach Murders.

The language used to describe people in prostitution shapes public perception, which ultimately shapes policy.

We must treat ALL victims with the dignity and urgency that they deserve.

Recognizing the signs of human trafficking can make a difference. Together, we can change the course.
Awareness, vigilan...
05/13/2026

Recognizing the signs of human trafficking can make a difference. Together, we can change the course.

Awareness, vigilance, and action all play a role in prevention.

Visit pa.gov/humantrafficking to learn more.

Introducing one of our Spring 2026 Externs, Ellyse Kirkland ‘26!
05/12/2026

Introducing one of our Spring 2026 Externs, Ellyse Kirkland ‘26!

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299 N Spring Mill Road
Radnor, PA
19085

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