In the News - News Reports - Breaking News
There are often important stories about trials, laws, and court decisions that affect incest, abuse, and violence survivors. These stories reflect the changing face of abuse and how our society deals with offenders and survivors.
Duke Leadership Still Has Not Learned
Duke University Provost Lange's response to Dr. Houston Baker shows that they still don't get it. Duke leadership still hasn't learned. Duke leadership response indicates that real improvements are not likely.
Duke University Provost Lange's response to Dr. Houston Baker shows that they still don't get it. Duke leadership still hasn't learned. Duke leadership response indicates that real improvements are not likely.
The Controversy Over "Rescue Me," and the Stars' Response
The latest issue of TV Guide has interviews with both Denis Leary and Andrea Roth, whose scene in Rescue Me about spousal rape has sparked controversy. I just had to add my two cents' worth.
The latest issue of TV Guide has interviews with both Denis Leary and Andrea Roth, whose scene in Rescue Me about spousal rape has sparked controversy. I just had to add my two cents' worth.
Cuts in State Funding for Drug and Alcohol Rehab Leaves Many Without Help
Cuts in funding for rehabilitation programs for alcohol and drug users have resulted in a strong increase in child abuse. Alcoholics and drug users can't get the help they need, and their children suffer as a result.
Cuts in funding for rehabilitation programs for alcohol and drug users have resulted in a strong increase in child abuse. Alcoholics and drug users can't get the help they need, and their children suffer as a result.
False Rape Charges -- Just For The Publicity?
A common charge against people who press charges of sexual violence is that they are just doing it for the publicity. Logical fallicies and ad hominem arguments in rape cases. Why the vast majority of women don't lie about rape.
A common charge against people who press charges of sexual violence is that they are just doing it for the publicity. Logical fallicies and ad hominem arguments in rape cases. Why the vast majority of women don't lie about rape.
College Athletics and Student Athletes
The Duke University lacrosse team rape allegations. Public response to the Duke University lacrosse team rape allegations. Defending the victim, seeking justice in the Duke University lacrosse team rape allegations. Good and bad responses to the rape allegations at Duke Univesity. North Carolina Central University students. NCCU.
The Duke University lacrosse team rape allegations. Public response to the Duke University lacrosse team rape allegations. Defending the victim, seeking justice in the Duke University lacrosse team rape allegations. Good and bad responses to the rape allegations at Duke Univesity. North Carolina Central University students. NCCU.
In Defense of Government Funding
I often advocate more state and federal funding for agencies that try to stop domestic violence and child abuse. Recently, I received an email chiding me for this, claiming, “Individuals helping the poor is fine, but the Bible doesn’t want government involvement in it.” I decided to check it out.
I often advocate more state and federal funding for agencies that try to stop domestic violence and child abuse. Recently, I received an email chiding me for this, claiming, “Individuals helping the poor is fine, but the Bible doesn’t want government involvement in it.” I decided to check it out.
Nixzmary Brown -- Questions and Answers - New York City Child Abuse Death Investigation
New York City Mayor Bloomberg has announced some sweeping reforms of the ACS system that failed Nixzmary Brown. Now that we know more, let's see how many answers we have received to the many questions we posed when the tragedy struck.
New York City Mayor Bloomberg has announced some sweeping reforms of the ACS system that failed Nixzmary Brown. Now that we know more, let's see how many answers we have received to the many questions we posed when the tragedy struck.
Media handling of a child abuse case
In Minneapolis, a doctor has been accused of molesting two teenage boys who were his patients. As the justice system works to find the truth, I have some complaints about how the local media is covering the case.
In Minneapolis, a doctor has been accused of molesting two teenage boys who were his patients. As the justice system works to find the truth, I have some complaints about how the local media is covering the case.
The System fails Nixzmary Brown
The tragic child abuse death of 7-year-old Nixzmary Brown has grabbed the headlines. As officials investigate how the system failed the little girl, I put forward some questions we should insist on getting answers to.
The tragic child abuse death of 7-year-old Nixzmary Brown has grabbed the headlines. As officials investigate how the system failed the little girl, I put forward some questions we should insist on getting answers to.
Joe Paterno's comments about sexual assault
Joe Paterno's comments about charges of sexual assault against one of his players reveals that a large part of the athletic system, and our society as a whole, still just don't understand some important basics about the difference between sex and rape.
Joe Paterno's comments about charges of sexual assault against one of his players reveals that a large part of the athletic system, and our society as a whole, still just don't understand some important basics about the difference between sex and rape.
English Judge Drunken Consent Date Rape Satire
Recently an English judge hearing a rape case told the jury that "drunken consent is still consent," even though there was no indication that the woman gave consent of any kind. In my ripe and fevered imagination, I enjoy a chat with that judge.
Recently an English judge hearing a rape case told the jury that "drunken consent is still consent," even though there was no indication that the woman gave consent of any kind. In my ripe and fevered imagination, I enjoy a chat with that judge.
Halloween Candy law: "All show, no go."
New Jersey has passed laws that make it illegal for registered sex offenders to give out candy this Halloween. While I don't have any objection to these laws, they are more likely to lull the populace into thinking that something constructive has been done.
New Jersey has passed laws that make it illegal for registered sex offenders to give out candy this Halloween. While I don't have any objection to these laws, they are more likely to lull the populace into thinking that something constructive has been done.
Absolute Disgrace - Again
A child abuse case in California ended with an inexplicable verdict where the abuser will probably never spend a day in jail. Is there no hope for justice? Almost -- but not quite.
A child abuse case in California ended with an inexplicable verdict where the abuser will probably never spend a day in jail. Is there no hope for justice? Almost -- but not quite.
Renew VAWA
The current violence against women act (VAWA) will expire at the end of September. It is imperative that the national Congress renews VAWA and continues the fight against sexual assault and domestic violence.
The current violence against women act (VAWA) will expire at the end of September. It is imperative that the national Congress renews VAWA and continues the fight against sexual assault and domestic violence.
What to do with sex offenders
Sex offenders are very much in the news these days, and nobody seems to know what to do about them. One suggestion has been to incarcerate them for life. Let's look into it.
Sex offenders are very much in the news these days, and nobody seems to know what to do about them. One suggestion has been to incarcerate them for life. Let's look into it.
Texas funds CPS
Responding to reports of terrible suffering, abuse and death, the state of Texas recently passed an emergency bill to add $200 million to the state's efforts against child abuse and vulnerable adult abuse. What does $200 million buy? A lot.
Responding to reports of terrible suffering, abuse and death, the state of Texas recently passed an emergency bill to add $200 million to the state's efforts against child abuse and vulnerable adult abuse. What does $200 million buy? A lot.
Protecting children costs money.
The kidnapping and murders of nine-year-old Jessica Lunsford and 13-year-old Sarah Lunde are so tragic that words fail me. Is there something that could be done to prevent this kind of atrocity? Yes there is. But people won't allow it.
The kidnapping and murders of nine-year-old Jessica Lunsford and 13-year-old Sarah Lunde are so tragic that words fail me. Is there something that could be done to prevent this kind of atrocity? Yes there is. But people won't allow it.
Legal Disgrace
Once in awhile there comes a story that strains my ability to comprehend the level of hatred our society holds for women. In Illinois, four men were accused of sexually assaulting a sixteen-year-old girl. They had sex with her and wrote nasty words all over her body while she was passed out. But after deliberating for only two hours, one of the perpetrators was found not guilty. Let's review the many, many wrong assumptions of this disgrace.
Once in awhile there comes a story that strains my ability to comprehend the level of hatred our society holds for women. In Illinois, four men were accused of sexually assaulting a sixteen-year-old girl. They had sex with her and wrote nasty words all over her body while she was passed out. But after deliberating for only two hours, one of the perpetrators was found not guilty. Let's review the many, many wrong assumptions of this disgrace.
Making Domestic Violence Laws Stronger
Perpetrators of domestic violence use several loopholes to evade punishment for their actions. Here are some ideas on how to make it harder to weasel out of responsibility.
Perpetrators of domestic violence use several loopholes to evade punishment for their actions. Here are some ideas on how to make it harder to weasel out of responsibility.
U.S. Supreme Court Takes on Child Molestation Case - Stogner vs CA
With its acceptance of a case involving statute of limitations laws on child sexual abuse cases, the Supreme Court is taking on a task that will affect thousands of adult victims of childhood sexual abuse.
With its acceptance of a case involving statute of limitations laws on child sexual abuse cases, the Supreme Court is taking on a task that will affect thousands of adult victims of childhood sexual abuse.
The Grapes of Wrath
Why do funding cuts hurt low- and middle-income families more than wealthy families? The answer is simple, and unfortunate.
Why do funding cuts hurt low- and middle-income families more than wealthy families? The answer is simple, and unfortunate.
Just Before The Election
The election is coming up this Tuesday, and a lot is at stake. In addition to the Presidency, there are Senators and Representatives running for office. There are also Governors, state Senators, and state Representatives. If you are concerned about abuse and incest and healing issues, here are some things to look for in a candidate.
The election is coming up this Tuesday, and a lot is at stake. In addition to the Presidency, there are Senators and Representatives running for office. There are also Governors, state Senators, and state Representatives. If you are concerned about abuse and incest and healing issues, here are some things to look for in a candidate.
Bush Stand on Child Abuse Prevention Programs/Kerry Stand on Child Abuse Prevention Programs
Comparison of President Bush's and Senator John Kerry's stands on child abuse prevention programs; funding and support.
Comparison of President Bush's and Senator John Kerry's stands on child abuse prevention programs; funding and support.
What do These Women Have in Common?
Most people don't know that murder is the most common cause of death among pregnant women in the United States. Cases like Laci Peterson's bring this issue to the forefront of the American media.
Most people don't know that murder is the most common cause of death among pregnant women in the United States. Cases like Laci Peterson's bring this issue to the forefront of the American media.
Kobe Bryant and Sexual Assault
The Kobe Bryant sexual assault case continues to dominate the news. It's interesting that this high profile case is in the media along with a new Illinois law that defines consent. Read my opinions on these issues and join in the discussion in our forums.
The Kobe Bryant sexual assault case continues to dominate the news. It's interesting that this high profile case is in the media along with a new Illinois law that defines consent. Read my opinions on these issues and join in the discussion in our forums.
Early Intervention Pays Off
Studies show that bullying is a form of child abuse, and both the bully and the target suffer emotional damage. Learn how early intervention will save society enormous costs in crime prevention.
Studies show that bullying is a form of child abuse, and both the bully and the target suffer emotional damage. Learn how early intervention will save society enormous costs in crime prevention.
U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Child Molestation Case
ADVOCAMom is the guest writer for this article. She is an About.com Guide who passionately defends childhood abuse victims who, as adults, press charges against their perpetrators. The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing the case Stogner v California.
ADVOCAMom is the guest writer for this article. She is an About.com Guide who passionately defends childhood abuse victims who, as adults, press charges against their perpetrators. The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing the case Stogner v California.
Pete Townshend's Arrest and Clearing on Porn Charges
Pete Townshend's arrest for allegedly viewing child porn on the internet has brought the issue front and center. MR. Townshend was cleared by the London police but will have to be listed on a sex offender registry for five years. Find out what you can do to report abuse on the internet.
Pete Townshend's arrest for allegedly viewing child porn on the internet has brought the issue front and center. MR. Townshend was cleared by the London police but will have to be listed on a sex offender registry for five years. Find out what you can do to report abuse on the internet.
More on Stogner v California
Once again, my guest author is ADVOCAMom, an About.com Guide and child abuse survivor advocate who interprets the oral arguments heard in the Stogner v California case in front of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Once again, my guest author is ADVOCAMom, an About.com Guide and child abuse survivor advocate who interprets the oral arguments heard in the Stogner v California case in front of the U.S. Supreme Court.
The Charges Against Arnold
At the time of this writing, eleven women have come forward to level charges of sexual misconduct against Arnold Schwarzenegger, candidate for Governor of California in a recall election. From the perspective of Minnesota criminal law, how serious are these charges? Find out so you can evaluate the situation for yourself.
At the time of this writing, eleven women have come forward to level charges of sexual misconduct against Arnold Schwarzenegger, candidate for Governor of California in a recall election. From the perspective of Minnesota criminal law, how serious are these charges? Find out so you can evaluate the situation for yourself.
Michael Jackson - What About the Parents?
Michael Jackson's arrest on multiple counts of child molestation is big in the news, and it's every parent's nightmare. Learn what parents need to know before they let their children visit and sleep in someone else's house.
Michael Jackson's arrest on multiple counts of child molestation is big in the news, and it's every parent's nightmare. Learn what parents need to know before they let their children visit and sleep in someone else's house.
Let's Correct a Common Mistake
An email from a reader prompted me to write this article about false logic and common misconceptions swirling around the issue of date rape. Specifically, let's take the things people are saying about Kobe Bryant's alleged victim and apply them to him. Make sure you read the interesting results.
An email from a reader prompted me to write this article about false logic and common misconceptions swirling around the issue of date rape. Specifically, let's take the things people are saying about Kobe Bryant's alleged victim and apply them to him. Make sure you read the interesting results.