There is growing momentum among groups dedicated to combating the multi-faceted problem of sexual exploitation. As the movement gains strength, anti-trafficking groups, anti-sexual violence organizations, medical professionals, activists, and more, will come together for a symposium on the role pornography has in fueling other forms of sexual exploitation. The National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCSE) is hosting the symposium in the U. S. Capitol building on Tuesday, July 14th, entitled: “Pornography: a Public Health Crisis. How Porn Fuels Sex Trafficking, Child Exploitation, & Sexual Violence.” This symposium will educate Members of Congress, the press, and the general public about the damages that pornography inflicts on such a large scale that it must be classified as a public health issue. Prominent social researchers, medical professionals, and legal experts are coming together at the Capitol event to discuss the latest research and to call on Congress to address this public health crisis by enforcing existing laws, hold hearings on the subject, and increasing overall efforts to curb sexual exploitation. Addiction expert and neurosurgeon, Donald L. Hilton, M.D., will present research on the impact to the brain from pornography use. Outspoken feminist activist and author, Gail Dines, Ph.D. will detail the links between pornography and the rise in violence against women and children. Longtime scholar and activist, Melissa Farley, PhD, will reveal the latest research on the links between prostitution, trafficking, and pornography. Many more prominent speakers will also give further evidence to the harms of pornography such as increased child sexual abuse, STI rates, and increased sexual dysfunction among young men. Several other leaders will present. Ultimately, NCSE’s symposium will reveal that the public health crisis from pornography must no longer be ignored. There is more cohesion and unity than ever before among diverse organizations, individuals, and elected and community leaders in the growing movement to end sexual exploitation. Details about the event, the presentations, and more information about the seamless connections between the many forms of sexual exploitation can be found at www.EndSexualExploitation.org.
