ADVOCATE - EDUCATOR - THERAPIST

Creating a safer world
for women and children.

 

The pervasiveness of violence against women and girls is epidemic, and society bears the burden.

Commercial sexual exploitation occurs when anything of value (i.e., money, drugs, shelter, food, clothes, etc.) is given in exchange for a sex act (i.e., intercourse, stripping, lap dancing, pole dancing, erotic massage, escort services, pornography, and prostitution). Poverty, family violence, neglect, academic failure, time in the foster care system, and a history of childhood sexual abuse create vulnerabilities for sexual exploitation.

 

Globally, 1 in four women will experience violence in her lifetime (WHO, 2022).

 

1 in six women in the United States will be raped (NIJ, 2006).

 

1 in 4 girls will experience sexual abuse before the age of 18 (CDC, 1998).

 

In the United States, 97% of trafficked individuals are women (CTDC, 2018).

RECENT ARTICLES

Featured
Research Theory & Commercial Sexual Exploitation

This series breaks down the findings of the article, “Sex Trafficking Vulnerabilities in Context: An analysis of 1,264 case files of adult survivors of commercial sexual exploitation,” published in the peer-reviewed journal, PLOS ONE.

In this post, we’ll address theory. Theory development in social science research is essential. Unfortunately, research into commercial sexual exploitation lacks testable, theoretical models. This article aims to provide a clear and comprehensive overview of the current state of theory in research into commercial sexual exploitation, highlighting the importance of vulnerability within a multisystem framework in understanding and addressing this complex issue.

Methodology & Commercial Sexual Exploitation

This series breaks down the findings of the article, “Sex Trafficking Vulnerabilities in Context: An analysis of 1,264 case files of adult survivors of commercial sexual exploitation,” published in the peer-reviewed journal, PLOS ONE.

In this post, we’ll walk through some of the preliminary findings, including prevalence of childhood sexual abuse, age of entry, and length of commercial sexual exploitation.

Let’s Do This Together! The importance of practitioner-researcher partnerships

This series breaks down the findings of the article, “Sex Trafficking Vulnerabilities in Context: An analysis of 1,264 case files of adult survivors of commercial sexual exploitation,” published in the peer-reviewed journal, PLOS ONE.

In this post, we’ll discuss the importance of practitioner-researcher partnerships as well as insights into my experience working with the Out of Darkness safe home program on this important project.

Climate Change & Gender Inequality: Why I became the laziest composter

Food insecurity is linked to trafficking vulnerability. So, my students convinced me to start composting.

Together, we can work to eradicate exploitation.

 
 

Courtney Furlong, MS, MEd, CRC, ALC, is a native of Atlanta, GA and a graduate of Auburn University with a Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science and a Master of Education in Rehabilitation Counseling. Since 2005, Courtney has served thousands of victims of commercial sexual exploitation from all over the world. She is currently pursuing a PhD Human Development and Family Science. Courtney is passionate about research, creating space for healing, and preparing advocates to create systemic change throughout the world.

 

Press

 3 NOV 2016 |

30 JAN 2019 |

01 FEB 2019 |

JAN 16 2012 |

Global Challenges & Social Innovations TEDx

 

VIDEO

Accelerating the eradication of exploitation.