News
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Mar 28
Student Blog Series: The Road to the Crown: How the Pageant World Advances the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Women
“I’m not a model. I’m an opera singer.” This was the famous stance of Miss America 1951, Yolande Betbeze. After securing the coveted title, she refused to wear the swimsuits of the pageant’s sponsor, Catalina Swimsuits, during her appearances. Her … Read more about Student Blog Series: The Road to the Crown: How the Pageant World Advances the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Women »
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Mar 26
Student Blog Series: Deepfake Pornography: How AI Has Added to the Power Imbalances of the Porn Industry
As AI becomes more advanced, its potential to cause harm grows, as exhibited by the recent rise in deepfake pornography. Deepfakes are images, videos, or audio that have been altered to make it appear as if a specific person is … Read more about Student Blog Series: Deepfake Pornography: How AI Has Added to the Power Imbalances of the Porn Industry »
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Mar 04
Erie Man Arrested After Attempting to Meet Teen for Sex
On February 4, 2024, Gregg Crossley Jr. of Erie County was arrested after he allegedly attempted to meet who he believed to be a 14-year-old girl for sex. He is charged with criminal attempt to commit statutory sexual assault, involuntary … Read more about Erie Man Arrested After Attempting to Meet Teen for Sex »
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Mar 04
Arbitrator awards $24.5 million to two women who were sex trafficked as minors at North American Motor Inns
On February 7, 2024, arbitrator, William Ricci, awarded two sex trafficking survivors, $24.5 million. The women, identified as B.H. and C.A., were sex trafficked at North American Motor Inns located at 4444 City Avenue in West Philadelphia. The lawsuit, which … Read more about Arbitrator awards $24.5 million to two women who were sex trafficked as minors at North American Motor Inns »
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Mar 04
Student Blog Series: Sweetening the Deal: The Glamorization of Sugar Dating on Social Media
If you are under thirty years old, chances are your TikTok algorithm has probably promoted videos of the glitz and glamor of having a sugar daddy. These videos, which have thousands of views and comments, sensationalize a version of sugaring … Read more about Student Blog Series: Sweetening the Deal: The Glamorization of Sugar Dating on Social Media »
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Mar 01
Student Blog Series: How the Monetization of Engagement and Attention Boosts the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Women
One cannot examine social media without a sufficient nod to its sister phenom: the social media influencer. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter/X, and TikTok have paved the way for an influx of individuals, known as “influencers”, who leverage their personal brand … Read more about Student Blog Series: How the Monetization of Engagement and Attention Boosts the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Women »
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Feb 28
Student Blog Series: TikTok and the Growing Media Exploitation of Minors
TikTok has emerged as one of the world’s most popular apps in the last few years and is currently used by over a billion people per month. Of its total users, roughly 68% are under the age of twenty-four, and … Read more about Student Blog Series: TikTok and the Growing Media Exploitation of Minors »
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Feb 26
Student Blog Series: Impact of Social Media on the Life Cycle of Sex Trafficking
As technology progresses, social media becomes more integral to our daily lives, impacting the way we communicate with one another. We use it to talk with friends and family, to foster new relationships, and even to build business connections. It … Read more about Student Blog Series: Impact of Social Media on the Life Cycle of Sex Trafficking »
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Feb 25
Man and Woman Charged with Multiple Prostitution Offenses After Routine Traffic Stop in Lycoming County
On January 29, 2024, a Williamsport man identified as Jeremy Draper-Bell, 30, and a 33 year-old Lycoming County woman, were charged with multiple prostitution offenses. The police charged the woman promoting prostitution, conspiracy to promote prostitution, intentional possession of a … Read more about Man and Woman Charged with Multiple Prostitution Offenses After Routine Traffic Stop in Lycoming County »
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Feb 21
Four Trafficking Victims Urge the Third Circuit to Reverse Pennsylvania Policy Which Relieves Hotel Insurers From Sex Trafficking Lawsuits
Between 2017 and 2019, four women filed separate state court suits against the Roosevelt Inn in Philadelphia and the Days Inn where they were sex trafficked. The women alleged that the hotel ignored the clear signs of sex trafficking and … Read more about Four Trafficking Victims Urge the Third Circuit to Reverse Pennsylvania Policy Which Relieves Hotel Insurers From Sex Trafficking Lawsuits »