News
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Jun 10
Operation Impact Demand XI: 7 men arrested in Cumberland County
On May 14, 2025, the Cumberland County Human Trafficking Task Force, the East Pennsboro Township Police Department, and the Silver Spring Township Police Department conducted “Operation Impact Demand XI.” The sting resulted in the arrest of seven men for allegedly … Read more about Operation Impact Demand XI: 7 men arrested in Cumberland County »
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Jun 01
Glamorizing the Hustle: The Normalization of Exploitation in Hustlers
The 2019 film Hustlers, inspired by a true story, and headlined by a top-tier cast, was widely praised for its depiction of “female empowerment” and solidarity. However, behind the glamorous facade, the film romanticizes the commercial sex trade and overlooks the … Read more about Glamorizing the Hustle: The Normalization of Exploitation in Hustlers »
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May 12
Three Men Arrested for Sex Trafficking Minor Girl in Bucks County
In April 2025, three men were charged for their roles in exploiting a 13-year-old girl in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Zachary McCauley, 29, of Louisville, Kentucky is being held in his home state awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania after the Bucks County … Read more about Three Men Arrested for Sex Trafficking Minor Girl in Bucks County »
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May 12
Response to The New York Times Ethicist Comment
In the anti-trafficking space, language is one of the most imperative aspects of advocacy. On February 4, 2025, The New York Times (NYT) published a newsletter, “Should My Husband Make Amends for Being a Sugar Daddy?” In the article, author … Read more about Response to The New York Times Ethicist Comment »
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May 07
A Damaging Distortion of Human Trafficking: Sound of Freedom
When Sound of Freedom was released in July of 2023, the film earned nearly $20 million its first week in theaters. It has since grossed over $250 million worldwide. Sound of Freedom tells the “true” story of former US Special … Read more about A Damaging Distortion of Human Trafficking: Sound of Freedom »
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May 05
A Fairy Tale or False Hope?: the Romanticization of Commercial Sex in Pretty Woman
Released in 1990, the movie Pretty Woman is widely regarded as a classic romantic comedy that portrays the unlikely love story between a woman in prostitution and a wealthy businessman. Earning over $400 million in box office sales worldwide, it … Read more about A Fairy Tale or False Hope?: the Romanticization of Commercial Sex in Pretty Woman »
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May 01
New York Man Arrested by Throop Police for Prostitution Charges
On April 4, David Hartman, 56, of Rochester, was arrested after allegedly attempting to exchange money and drugs for sex. As a result, Hartman was charged with manufacturing, delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver, criminal use of … Read more about New York Man Arrested by Throop Police for Prostitution Charges »
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Apr 30
Sanitizing the Sex Trade in Film: Anora
The portrayal of prostitution in cinema has traditionally been filled with depictions that overlook or avoid the problematic nature of commercial sexual exploitation. Over the years, these portrayals have generally fallen into four main categories: normalization, sensationalization, glamorization, and sanitization. … Read more about Sanitizing the Sex Trade in Film: Anora »
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Apr 21
Staged for the Male Gaze: the Objectification of Women in Music Videos
In the captivating realm of music videos, where artistic expression is paramount, a concerning trend consistently appears across various genres: the objectification of women. Whether in pop, hip-hop, R&B or rock, the portrayal of women in music videos frequently reduces … Read more about Staged for the Male Gaze: the Objectification of Women in Music Videos »
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Apr 15
Beyond The ‘Happy Ending’: The Truth Behind Illicit Massage Businesses
The commercial sex industry has evolved in many troubling ways in recent years, with the illicit massage business being one of the most widespread forms of exploitation in the United States. Behind what is often a flippant reference to a … Read more about Beyond The ‘Happy Ending’: The Truth Behind Illicit Massage Businesses »