by Brittany Crippen
A few weeks ago I traveled to Orlando, Florida to participate in the 2015 Coalition to End Sexual Exploitation Summit (CESE Summit). Hosted by the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, the conference brought together hundreds of individuals and organizations all involved in the international movement to defend human dignity and end sexual exploitation and it’s associated companion – pornography.
It’s no secret that pornography has become a public health crisis. Its addictive nature makes it hard for users to quit, and its effects on relationships are detrimental. Pornography use is also directly linked with sexual exploitation, and serves as a marketing tool for sex trafficking. No one is invincible to the harmful effects of porn – relationships, marriages, families, men, women, and children are all vulnerable.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the extent of the havoc pornography is wreaking on society and in the world, but attending the CESE Summit was a huge encouragement because it gave me a glimpse into a vibrant and powerful counter movement – a movement composed of hundreds of dedicated individuals and organizations all focused on creating a culture that values sex and believes in the dignity of every human being.
We believe the movement to end pornography and sexual exploitation is crucial for the well being of society. To that end we are hosting a panel on pornography at Sexuality, Integrity, and the University called, “On Harms and Hope: The Myriad Injustices of Pornography and How Some are Fighting Back.” Presenting on the panel are Dr. William Struthers, a Professor of Psychology from Wheaton College, and Dawn Hawkins, the Executive Director of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE).
As an expert on brain sciences, Dr. Struthers will be examining the neurological effects of pornography. By better understanding the effects pornographic images have on the brain and the biological realities of our sexual development, he will present on ways we can instead cultivate faithful sexual perspectives and interpersonal relationships.
Dawn Hawkins, in her presentation, will address the damaging impact of pornography on individuals, relationships, and society. But as the director of NCOSE, she will also propose practical steps for protecting against this onslaught of harm, and discuss some of the positive cultural strides NCOSE has made recently in their fight against pornography. Here’s a sneak peek at their most recent victory!
We hope you can join us in Princeton on October 30-31, 2015 for this culturally relevant and much-needed panel discussion.
Brittany Crippen is the Outreach and Programs Officer at the Love and Fidelity Network.
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Standing Against the Harms of Pornography appeared first on Love & Fidelity Network.