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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.

  • Learn More About The CSE Institute

    We welcome contact from organizations and individuals interested in more information about The CSE Institute and how to support it.

    Shea M. Rhodes, Esq.
    Director
    Tel: 610-519-7183
    Email: shea.rhodes@law.villanova.edu

    Prof. Michelle M. Dempsey
    Faculty Advisor
    Tel: 610-519-8011
    Email: dempsey@law.villanova.edu

    Contact Us »