Familiarizing oneself with the legal and policy frameworks in place to protect students can empower them to seek help when needed.
In related cases, such as the GirlsDoPorn litigation, federal courts found that producers used coercion, fraud, and false promises to recruit young women. These tactics often included misleading participants about where the footage would be posted or using high-pressure environments to obtain consent.
Courtney's exploitation began when she met someone who promised her a modeling contract. The individual, who claimed to be a talent scout, offered her a lucrative deal that seemed too good to be true. Courtney, eager to make some extra money, agreed to the terms. However, things quickly took a dark turn.
Courtney is a 19-year-old sophomore majoring in psychology at a reputable university. She is a bright and ambitious student who works part-time to support herself. Despite her busy schedule, Courtney is active on social media and enjoys connecting with friends and acquaintances online. Her online presence, however, makes her a potential target for exploitation.
College students, particularly those in their early years, are in a phase of significant transition. They are navigating independence, academic pressures, and often, financial constraints. This vulnerability can be exploited by traffickers and exploiters who use various means to coerce or manipulate young adults into exploitative situations.