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 sup
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.
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.
05/12/2026
Introducing one of our Spring 2026 Externs, Ellyse Kirkland ‘26!
05/07/2026
Introducing one of our Spring 2026 Externs, Annie Langhauser ‘27!
Annie was a 1L blogger and returned to The Institute as an extern this semester. Welcome back, Annie!
05/06/2026
Join us on Wednesday, May 20th from 4pm-7pm for a shopping event with ! 15% of all proceeds will go to The CSE Institute.
RSVP at [email protected]
05/05/2026
Introducing one of our Spring 2026 Externs, Kelly Fitzgerald ‘27!
Welcome, Kelly!
05/01/2026
Individuals who attempt to purchase s*xual access to minors contribute to market place that places children at risk of exploitation.
Read about the case on solicitation of feet pictures and its correlation to commercial s*xual exploitation at cseinstitute.org/news
04/20/2026
Join CSE Institute Director Shea Rhodes tomorrow night alongside Liz Stein and Melanie Thompson for a special event by at the Penn Women’s Center.
Through lived experiences and expert insight, this panel will explore how patterns of exploitation operate across communities and what accountability and prevention truly require.
04/14/2026
In October of 2025, formerly sealed documents were released, revealing that the 17-year-old girl former congressman Matt Gatez reportedly bought s*x from was homeless and trying to save money for braces.
Despite finding there to be substantial evidence that Gaetz had s*xual relations with the victim, the U.S. House Committee on Ethics concerningly did not find that he engaged in s*x trafficking and the U.S. Department of Justice declined to bring s*x-trafficking charges against Gaetz.
Until these laws are enforced as written, accountability will remain selective and these power imbalances will continue to thrive.
Read the full blog at cseinstitute.org/news
04/13/2026
Introducing one of our Spring 2026 Externs, Noah Ryan ‘26!
Welcome, Noah!