Villanova University School of Law

2023 Annual Report Released!

The Report dives into arrests and convictions for charges of prostitution, buying sex, and trafficking in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Everything we do at the CSE Institute is focused on one goal: to eradicate injustice and amply dignity. That is why the theme for this year’s Annual Report is There is NO Room for Commercial Sexual Exploitation.

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Partner with Us

The CSE Institute has already partnered with more than 50 governmental and non-governmental organizations throughout Pennsylvania and beyond, addressing commercial sexual exploitation through training and technical assistance, as well as legislative and policy reform. We engage in multi-disciplinary collaboration to identify and implement effective solutions to complex, real world problems - providing a uniquely challenging and inspiring educational environment for our law school externs.

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Trauma-Informed Lawyering


Our Mission

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.