Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault / Public News Service

An estimated 181,000 children and families in Pennsylvania were served through Child Protective Services in 2020, according to a new report. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Report: Child-Abuse Cases in PA Rose in 2020

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- With kids stuck at home early in the pandemic, a new report said child-abuse cases decreased in 2020, but children's advocates say …

About three in five kids in foster care return home to their parents or other family members.<br />(avtk/Adobe Stock) — About three in five kids in foster care return home to their parents or other family members.
(avtk/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Evolution of Ohio's Children Services System, Part 3: The Future

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- In a system plagued by a history of disparities, Ohio's child-welfare workers and children's advocates say it is time to reimagine …

Black children represent 36% of the children in foster care in Ohio, while they represent 14% of children in the general population. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 6, 2021

The Evolution of Ohio's Children Services System, Part 1: History

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Children Services is tasked with protecting the safety, well-being, and permanency of children and families, but some experts say …

Between two and four years after aging out of foster care, 46% of young people had not finished high school, 51% were unemployed and 84% became parents. (Adobe Stock)

Resources for Foster Youths During Holidays

OMAHA, Neb. -- Some 24,000 teenagers in foster care across the nation officially become adults each year; in Nebraska it happens on their 19th …

Michigan state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, D-Livonia, a survivor of domestic violence, is among the lawmakers who have introduced a package of domestic violence prevention bills. (Michigan Progressive Women's Caucus)

Bills Introduced to Prevent MI Domestic Violence, Support Survivors

DETROIT -- Domestic Violence Awareness Month may have come to a close, but efforts in Michigan to prevent violence and protect survivors are ongoing…

Just four of 19 Nebraska law-enforcement agencies surveyed do not currently employ a multilingual officer. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska Law Enforcement Behind on Language Accessibility

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Not one law-enforcement agency in Nebraska is meeting all U.S. Department of Justice guidance and best practices on how to provide …

Incarcerated women who participated in the Prisoners Too art project hug in front of the installation at a South Carolina prison. (South Carolina Department of Corrections)<br /> — Incarcerated women who participated in the Prisoners Too art project hug in front of the installation at a South Carolina prison. (South Carolina Department of Corrections)

Project to Bring Healing from Sexual Assault Behind Bars

BALTIMORE - This month marks the four-year anniversary of the #MeToo movement, and an art project aims to help incarcerated survivors heal by telling …

Congress passed Savanna's Act in 2020 to improve data collection on cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women. (Sonyachny/Adobe Stock)

NV Summit Highlights Missing, Murdered Indigenous Women

LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- Today, a virtual summit hosted by the Las Vegas Mayor's Faith Initiative looks at the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous …

In addition to abuse and neglect, a new study says economically disadvantaged children have a risk of premature death that is 1.9 times higher than other socioeconomic groups. (Adobe Stock)

Study Underscores SD Efforts to Minimize Impact of Child Abuse

PIERRE, S.D. -- A new study links premature deaths in adulthood with people who experience abuse as children, and South Dakota groups say it …

Worldwide, it's estimated that nearly 40% of all murders of women are committed by intimate partners. (Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence)

Groups Urge Congress to Renew Protections for Domestic-Violence Survivors

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Advocates for ending domestic violence urged Congress to renew the Violence Against Women Act and other federal legislation …

The Violence Against Women Act has been stalled in the U.S. Senate since it expired in 2019. (nito/Adobe Stock)

Creating Space for LGBTQ Illinoisans to Discuss Domestic Violence

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and advocates want to shed more light on how Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual…

According to data from the Department of Justice, an estimated 33% of rapes are committed by a current or former partner. (Adobe Stock)

Renewal of Federal Legislation Urged to Protect Domestic-Violence Survivors

CONCORD, N.H. -- Advocates for ending domestic violence urged Congress to renew the Violence Against Women Act and other federal legislation …

As many as one in four U.S. women and one in nine men are domestic violence victims, according to federal data. (Adobe Stock)

Statewide Survey Seeks Input from KY Domestic Violence Survivors

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- The Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence has launched a statewide survey for Domestic Violence Awareness Month to better …

The statute of limitations in cases of rape in Ohio is currently 25 years. (Adobe Stock)

OH Advocates Urge Eliminating Statute of Limitations; Spousal Exemption

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Ohio advocates are hoping to see legislation passed that removes barriers to …

In Ohio in the past year, 121 people were injured or killed by a person with a gun in a domestic violence incident. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Domestic Violence Deaths Rise 62% Over Two Years

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Deaths linked to domestic violence continue to rise in Ohio, according to the Ohio Domestic Violence Network's sixth-annual report …

In Maine, protests against the Texas abortion ban occurred in Portland, Waterville, Belgrade and more. (vivalapenler/Adobe Stock)

Protesters Support Roe v. Wade in Portland, Central Maine

PORTLAND, Maine -- Reproductive-rights advocates took to the streets across Maine and the U.S. over the weekend to protest the Texas ban on abortions …

One in four women and one in 10 men in the United States experience intimate-partner violence. (Adobe Stock)

KY Bill Would Allow Domestic-Violence Survivors to Claim Unemployment

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Kentucky lawmakers and state advocates want to expand the state's unemployment system to include survivors of domestic violence…

At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, U.S. gymnasts alleged the FBI could have done more to prevent abuse in their sport. (gustavofrazao/Adobe Stock)

National Abuse Scandal Reminder it Can Be Prevented

BOISE, Idaho - Simone Biles and other U.S. gymnasts are confronting sexual abuse in their sport, including at a Senate Judiciary Committee this month…

Male survivors of sexual assault sometimes feel shame or self-doubt that prevents them seeking help. (AdobeStock).

Sexual-Violence Prevention: Patriarchal Ideas a Barrier for Men

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Anyone can become a victim of sexual violence, and work is underway in Ohio to ensure that men feel welcome in the anti-violence …

According to NAMI Rochester, 67% of young adults confide in a friend that they're struggling emotionally before telling any other person. (Adobe Stock)

NY Mental-Health First Aid in Spotlight for Suicide Prevention Month

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- September is Suicide Prevention Month, and New Yorkers are being asked to make use of training sessions that are available on how …

More than 111,000 people were served by Ohio's domestic-violence programs in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Boosts Funding for Domestic-Violence Survivors

COLUMBUS, Ohio - More money soon will be available to help survivors of domestic abuse in Ohio. State lawmakers earmarked $7.5 million for domestic-…

The pandemic has added extra stressors for California's 9 million children and their parents. (Fizkes/Adobestock)

CA Parent and Youth Helpline Flooded During Pandemic

SACRAMENTO, Calif - More than 10,000 people have called the California Parent and Youth Helpline during the pandemic so far - but the funding is set …

Early life trauma can undermine learning and is linked to a range of school-related problems. (Adobe Stock)

Groups Launch New Statewide Effort to Reduce KY Childhood Adversity

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A new initiative called Bloom Kentucky is focused on statewide policy change to prevent and mitigate the impact of childhood …

More than half of women who have been raped by their spouse also report repeat victimization in their relationship. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Bill Would End Spousal Exemptions for Sexual Violence

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A bill under consideration in the Ohio Legislature would ensure relationship status doesn't limit a sexual assault victim's ability …

The Ohio Domestic Violence Network's Fresh Start program is supported by funds from the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan. (Anete Lusina/Pexels)

OH Domestic Violence Prevention Focus on Housing Options for Survivors

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- New programs available to domestic violence-prevention groups in Ohio aim to help survivors transition into safe, stable housing…

Across the United States, more than 6,000 local organizations receive funds from Victims of Crime Act or VOCA, to provide lifesaving support services to survivors. (Adobe Stock)

Funding Woes Leave IA Crime Victim Support Groups in Limbo

DES MOINES, Iowa - Iowa groups that assist survivors of domestic violence and other crimes are struggling as a key federal funding source almost …

The United Nations says COVID-19 created a "shadow pandemic" for domestic-violence victims, because lockdowns made it harder for them to leave, or have others intervene. (Adobe Stock)

A Helping Hand for WI Domestic-Violence Survivors, Post-Pandemic

MILWAUKEE, Wis. -- In Wisconsin and across the country, there's been a spike in domestic-violence reports during the pandemic. Since lockdowns have …

Parents' poor mental health due to pandemic-related disruptions can be a contributing factor in negative mental-health outcomes for children. (Pixabay)

Helping Children Navigate Through Trauma

DENVER, Colo. -- School closures, social isolation, gaps in health-care access and other pandemic-related disruptions have taken a toll on children's …

Domestic-violence hotlines are a lifeline for victims seeking safety and support. <br />(AdobeStock) — Domestic-violence hotlines are a lifeline for victims seeking safety and support.
(AdobeStock)

Domestic-Violence Support: Not All Calls for Help Getting Answered

Clarification: Added additional information on the General Assembly budget process. 5/12/2021 5:26pm Central COLUMBUS, Ohio -- During a single 24-…

Advocates for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls say they're grateful for new state-level and federal policies, but fear a lack of local resources will keep putting more people in danger. (Adobe Stock)

New Awareness Week for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

SIOUX FALLS, SD -- Advocates are stepping up awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW) and girls, but even with efforts in South …

The Center for Family Justice says especially for children, abuse statistics are devastating; some 93% who experience this trauma are hurt by someone they know. (Adobe Stock)

CT Group: Child-Abuse Awareness Must Continue Beyond April

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - Today marks the last day of National Child Abuse Awareness Month, but advocates for children in Connecticut say it's important …

Survivors of sexual violence are often reluctant to seek help. (Adobe Stock)

Rape-Crisis Agencies, Already Burdened by Cuts, Brace for More

Correction: MacMath directs COMPASS (Sexual Assault Education, Prevention & Support), an affiliate of Goodwill Industries. An earlier version of this …

Washington state expects to clear its backlog of sexual assault kits by mid-2022. (motortion/Adobe Stock)

WA Continues Improving Response to Sexual Assault

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Washington state lawmakers are continuing their work from past sessions supporting survivors of sexual assault. House Bill 1109…

#EverydayOhioHeroes campaign encourages adults to take a proactive role in preventing child abuse and neglect. (geralt/Pixabay)

Keeping Ohio Kids Safe a Shared Responsibility

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Advocates hope their message of protecting kids being a shared responsibility will strike a chord with Ohioans during Child Abuse …

An Urban Indian Health Institute study found only 116 of more than 5,000 cases of murdered or missing Native women were logged into the U.S. Department of Justice's nationwide database. (Adobe Stock)

Unsolved: Hundreds of Cases of Missing, Murdered Indigenous NC Women

RALEIGH, N.C. -- North Carolina families and advocacy groups are rallying virtually to highlight how poor data collection, lack of prosecution and …

A symbol for Child Abuse Prevention Month, pinwheels represent the playfulness of childhood. (Fotoluminate LLC/Adobe Stock)

Greater Importance for Child Abuse Prevention Month After Pandemic Year

BOISE, Idaho -- It's Child Abuse Prevention Month and this year the awareness campaign comes in the wake of a hard year with the COVID-19 pandemic…

One in five Black women in the U.S. is a survivor of rape, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. (Michele Paccione/Adobe Stock)

Spotlight on Black Women's Contributions to End Sexual Violence

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, groups are raising awareness about Black women's contributions in the quest to end sexual …

According to Polaris, about 14,600 survivors of sex trafficking contacted the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline in 2019. That number is likely higher in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Human Trafficking Also a Focus in CT

HARTFORD, Conn. - A Connecticut group that aids victims of human trafficking is speaking out about the role that sexual violence plays in this crime…

Experts are concerned that many parents haven't been equipped in the pandemic to cope with the stress of working at home while their children are learning from home. (Rafael Ben-Ari/Adobe Stock)

Experts: Poverty, Pandemic Could Bring Increase in Child Abuse Cases

SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah families need more resources to counter concerns of a slumping economy and the pandemic, which could subject more children to …

The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence urges people needing support around issues of sexual violence to go to nhcadsv.org or call 866-644-3574 to be directed to the nearest crisis center. (Adobe Stock)

Groups Work to Build Safe Online Spaces This Sexual Assault Awareness Month

CONCORD, N.H. -- Nearly one in five women in the U.S. have experienced rape or attempted rape in their lifetime, and advocates want survivors to know …

Supporters of updating Minnesota's sexual-assault laws say current loopholes could prevent victims from coming forward. (Adobe Stock)

Bipartisan Bill Seeks Reforms to MN Sexual-Assault Laws

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- A controversial ruling from the Minnesota Supreme Court has brought renewed focus on the state's criminal sexual-conduct laws…

As they look to prevent child abuse, outreach officials in Wisconsin say social isolation and distance learning are among the ways parents are feeling added stress right now. (Adobe Stock)

Preventing Child Abuse by Building Stronger Families

MADISON, Wis. -- Building stronger families is a core message being stressed in Wisconsin as part of child-abuse prevention efforts. Those doing …

The Navajo Nation is one of dozens of tribal lands where thousands of cases of missing and murdered Native Americans remain unsolved. (Flickr)<br /><br /> — The Navajo Nation is one of dozens of tribal lands where thousands of cases of missing and murdered Native Americans remain unsolved. (Flickr)

Haaland Prioritizes Cases of Missing, Murdered Native Americans

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. -- Interior Secretary Deb Haaland has created a new law enforcement unit to put renewed focus on resolving the cases of Native …

Connecticut has averaged 14 deaths from domestic violence each year since 2000, according to the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, but a spike in abuse cases amid the pandemic has likely changed that. (Adobe Stock)

In Congress, Domestic-Abuse Prevention Bill Takes Cue from CT

HARTFORD, Conn. - A new part of the Violence Against Women Act, passed in the U.S. House on Wednesday, would close a loophole that has allowed people …

Data from the U.S. Department of Justice suggests that 86% of child sexual abuse goes unreported. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Data from the U.S. Department of Justice suggests that 86% of child sexual abuse goes unreported. (Adobe Stock)

KY Senate Panel Advances Bill Supporting Child Sex-Abuse Victims

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- A bill that would extend the statute of limitations for misdemeanor sex offenses involving minors from five to ten years after …

The latest COVID-19 relief package makes major investments in families, including billions for child care. (Brocreative/Adobe Stock)

Big Boost for Child Abuse Prevention in COVID-19 Relief

BOISE, Idaho -- The latest COVID-19 relief package makes massive investments in child well-being. The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan makes …

More than half of domestic-violence programs in Ohio reported an increase in the severity of violence and injuries reported in 2020.(AdobeStock)

A Virtual Call to Action to Support Domestic-Violence Programs

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Dozens of anti-domestic-violence advocates in Ohio are coming together to call for improved funding for services that help people …

Resources are available online for parents feeling overwhelmed from the pandemic. (116 & West)

ID Child-Abuse Prevention Campaign Launches as COVID-19 Stresses Families

BOISE, Idaho -- With the stress from the pandemic raising concerns about child abuse and neglect, Idaho organizations are coming together to offer …

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