Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault / Public News Service

Misty Coburn formerly worked as a nurse at Options Behavioral Health Hospital in Indianapolis. (J Watson/Mirror Indy)

Whistleblower exposes dangers at Indiana facility

By Mary Claire Molloy for Mirror Indy.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Mirror Indy-Free Press Indiana-Public …

According to Lawsuit Information Center, as of November 2024, at least 660 lawsuits have been filed by former inmates alleging they were sexually abused by staff while housed at the former Arthur J. Audy detention center. (Adobe Stock)

New IL legislation removes barriers for children of sexual abuse

Childhood sexual abuse survivors will benefit from amendments to legislation pending in the Illinois Senate. House Bill 222 would revise three …

In 2023, nearly $30,000 of the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence's $3 million revenue came from donations, with 90 cents of every dollar allocated to survivor services. (ckybe/Adobe Stock)

Sustaining services for rural Ohio's sexual-violence survivors

The giving season offers Ohioans an opportunity to reflect on the importance of supporting community services. For survivors of sexual violence in …

According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in five women and one in 71 men will experience a violent sexual assault at some point in their lives. (Freepik)<br />

NE advocates: Anonymity an option in reporting sexual assault

More than 60% of sexual assaults are never reported to police, due to concerns like fear of retaliation or negative social interactions. But Nebraska …

The survey shows that because of Texas abortion laws many OB/GYN physicians and resident physicians are considering or have made changes to their practices that reduce the availability of OB/GYN care in the state. (Laura/Adobe Stock)

Abortion ban prompts concern among TX doctors

A recent survey of OB/GYNs in the state shows that doctors are concerned and confused by Texas' abortion ban. 76% of doctors surveyed say they feel …

Around 42% of female survivors experienced their first rape prior to age 18; 28% of male survivors were first raped prior to age 11. One in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually victimized before age 18. (motortion/Adobe Stock)

Improving Ohio's sexual violence response teams

Sexual violence remains a significant concern in Ohio, and specialized teams, such as Sexual Assault Response Teams and Coordinated Community …

Domestic violence-related homicides in Ohio doubled from 2018 to 2019, highlighting a growing crisis in the state. (Domarita Lopez-Wilcox)

Tragic toll of domestic violence in Ohio

In Ohio, the effects of domestic violence continue to devastate families. The Ohio Domestic Violence Network released its ninth annual fatality …

The 2024 Indiana Girl Report emphasized actionable steps for families and stakeholders to enhance the well-being of Hoosier girls. (Adobe stock)

Report: IN girls struggle with bullying, yet excel academically

A new report highlighted girls in Indiana face higher rates of bullying and sexual dating violence compared to boys. The 2024 Indiana Girl Report…

The city of Eagle, Idaho, took the rare step of declaring itself a

ID city's 'non-sanctuary' status threatens most vulnerable, critics say

Groups are warning an Idaho city's decision to declare itself a non-sanctuary city could have far-reaching implications. The repercussions are still …

Tennessee's child care cost burden, measured as a percentage of median household income, rose dramatically to 40.9% in 2022-23. Hardin County faced the highest burden, at 105.7%, while Fayette and Williamson Counties had the lowest, at 19.6% each. (davit85/Adobe Stock)

TN rural counties show slight improvement in poverty rates

The latest report on the well-being of Tennessee's children noted improvements in some areas and challenges in others. Statewide, child poverty …

It's estimated that one in three victims of human trafficking globally is a child, according to the United Nations. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa enlists businesses to thwart human trafficking

Iowa has enlisted the help of businesses across the state to take on human trafficking. Tomorrow marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons…

As of June 2022, Ohio ranked fifth in the nation for human trafficking incidents. The state's rate of human trafficking is about 3.84 victims per 100,000 residents, according to the advocacy group HTCourts.org. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio initiative aims to address needs of human trafficking survivors

Across the state, Ohio's domestic violence prevention programs are improving their services for human trafficking survivors. A $1.8 million grant …

In virtually identical court declarations, professors involved in a lawsuit against the Biden administration said they will not honor any student's demands to be addressed by the singular pronoun

Texas professors wage war on Title IX, threatening students' rights to abortions

By Shoshanna Ehrlich for Ms. Magazine.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News Service …

A report from the nonprofit Inseparable found the rollout of 988 is something with which states are struggling and support is available to get it done. (bnenin/Adobe Stock)

Report: TX lawmakers can do more to support 988 crisis hotline

Mental health workers are urging lawmakers to draft bipartisan policies to expand access to mental health care services. The 988 Suicide and Crisis …

Violence Free Minnesota reported in 2018 through 2022, nearly 67% of bystanders or intervenors to domestic violence were killed by an abusive person using a firearm. (Adobe Stock)

SCOTUS ruling instills hope for domestic violence prevention groups

Domestic-violence prevention organizations in Minnesota continue to express relief over a U.S. Supreme Court ruling dealing with abusers having …

Studies have found that approximately 26% of all female undergraduate students and nearly 7% of all male undergraduate students have experienced sexual assault, according to the American Association of University Women. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio advocates: New rules strengthen protections for sexual-assault victims

Ohio advocates said the Biden administration's new Title IX regulations better protect victims of sexual assault, even as a group of states …

Michigan consistently ranks high as a state for contact volume to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, with the 11th-highest rate in the nation in 2023. (Africa Studio)

Perspectives of MI pandemic domestic abuse survivors

Four years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers are still studying its effects on society. A new report focusing on domestic …

Family of slain UARK student uses tragedy to help others

A nonprofit organization is working to reduce the stress on trauma survivors - and it began with a tragedy. "Project Beloved" creates "soft" police …

TX group works to soften trauma for sexual assault survivors

A north Texas nonprofit organization is working to reduce stress for trauma survivors creates "soft" police station interview rooms. They paint the …

Research shows rural victims of intimate partner violence tend to face more barriers accessing services like shelters, advocacy, legal services and law enforcement. (Adobe Stock)<br />

New Ohio law closes spousal rape loophole

Advocates say victims of rape by a spouse can now seek justice - under a new law closing a loophole that did not punish rape and sexual battery cases…

People released after serving long prison sentences are statistically very unlikely to reoffend.<br />(viperagp/Adobe Stock)

MI woman shares Mother's Day with mom incarcerated for decades

Mother's Day has a special place in the heart of a Michigan woman whose mother's incarceration kept them separated for decades. Jen Szénay of …

According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, in eight out of ten rape cases, the victim knew the person who sexually assaulted them. (Adobe Stock)

IN Rape crisis center opens to reduce assault cases, heighten attention

The Me Too movement prompted sexual abuse victims to come forward with their allegations of rape and harassment. Yet, the increase in these …

In 2023, 331 adults and children received nonresidential supportive services related to transportation, housing advocacy, legal support, therapy and more, according to the National Network to End Domestic Violence. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Kentucky determined to support its domestic violence shelters amid federal cuts

As federal Victims of Crime Act funding continues to impact Kentucky's domestic violence shelters, advocates say they are applauding lawmakers …

Environments which are violent, lack accessible and effective community resources and are disproportionately affected by poverty or unemployment are variables contributing to child abuse<br />and neglect, according to PCA Georgia. (Adobe Stock)

Georgia groups empower parents to safeguard children's well-being

As communities across Georgia come together to raise awareness during Child Abuse Prevention Month, local groups are taking steps to equip parents …

The majority of women veterans are not enrolled in Veteran Health Administration care, yet these women have experienced a more than sixty-percent increase in suicide rates over the past two decades. (Adobe Stock)

ME women veterans request counselors for military sexual trauma

Advocates for women veterans, who've experienced sexual trauma while serving in the military, are asking state lawmakers for much-needed funding…

$During his 17 years in prison, relatives said Brian Dorsey was committed to improving himself and remained infraction-free throughout his long incarceration. (Felipe Caparr�s/Adobe Stock)$

Missouri carries out its first execution of 2024

Missouri went through with its first execution of the year, as Brian Dorsey was put to death last night, just after 6 p.m. CT. The U.S. Supreme …

Older Coloradans who may have never been issued a birth certificate because they were born at home qualify for assistance getting vital documents, including identification cards but many cannot access Colorado's Necessary Documents Program. (Adobe Stock)

Cutting red tape to access IDs and other vital documents

Advocates are urging Colorado lawmakers to make key improvements to a state program seen as critical to helping people fleeing domestic violence or ex…

One in four women and about one in 26 men have experienced rape or attempted rape, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Ohio expanding qualified Rape Crisis Centers

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Ohio is expanding its qualified rape crisis centers serving rural areas in the central and southeastern …

The teal ribbon represents sexual assault awareness and prevention during the month of April. (sulit.photos/Adobe Stock)

Call for more inclusive coverage during Sexual Assault Prevention Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. Advocates for sexual assault survivors in Idaho and across the country are pushing for a more …

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments this week about the popular abortion pill Mifepristone and will weigh in on whether the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was correct in how it can be dosed and prescribed. (Ascannio/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Missourians anxious over future birth control access

Missouri residents are worried about future access to birth control. The latest survey from The Right Time, an initiative based in Missouri…

A new bill would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to carry out a new grant program, to fund a 24/7 helpline for parents and youths. (Raushan_films/Adobestock)

Bill would fund National Parent & Youth Helpline

The new National Parent & Youth Helpline has already taken 6,700 calls, texts and live chats since its inception in January, and now the U.S…

Sen. Nickie Antonio, D-Lakewood, the Senate Democratic leader, spoke at the Ohio Domestic Violence Network's Advocacy Day. She is sponsoring Senate Bill 100, which would prohibit the installation of an electronic tracking device on someone else's property without their consent. (Denise Kontras)<br />

In Ohio, a push to pass bill that would ban electronic tracking without consent

More than 100 Ohio advocates gathered this week to speak with lawmakers about policies affecting survivors of intimate-partner violence, including a …

According to the Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, 43.8% of Nevada women experience intimate partner physical violence, sexual violence or stalking at some point in their life. (Adobe Stock)

Attorney has advice for NV women for Int'l. Women's Day

Today is International Women's Day, and one Nevada attorney sees it as an opportunity to remind women of their rights. Las Vegas attorney Adriana …

Nearly 16% of Idaho youth surveyed said they have experienced physical dating violence. (Waseem Ali Khan/Adobe Stock)

Promoting 'welcoming communities' key to preventing teen dating violence

February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, and young people often find it hard to navigate experiences of harm…

Kentucky's First Lady Britainy Beshear and others speak at the kick-off event for Shop and Share. According to ZeroV, 34% of Kentucky women and 14% of Kentucky men have experienced sexual violence, physical violence and/or stalking. (Angela Conway)

One-day grocery donation drive helps survivors of domestic violence

As Kentuckians prepare for the Super Bowl this weekend, they can also help survivors of domestic violence. At "Shop and Share," a one-day event this …

A 2023 bill to eliminate the statute of limitations on child sexual abuse cases has been modified and is in front of Washington lawmakers again this session. (photogeek/Adobe Stock)

WA lawmakers again consider erasing statute of limitations on sex abuse cases

Washington state lawmakers are considering eliminating the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases again this session. House Bill 1618 …

Section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934, enacted as part of the Communications Decency Act of 1996, provides limited federal immunity to providers and users of interactive computer services. (Aleksei/Adobe Stock)

Social media CEOs apologize to victim families for harm experienced online

A contentious congressional hearing on Wednesday saw a unanimous push for regulations on social media specifically related to children. U.S. Sen…

The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey reported about 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men have been stalked at some point in their lives. (Adobe Stock)

In rural Ohio, stalking incidents remain underreported

January is Stalking Awareness Month and advocates said cases of unwanted or repeated surveillance or contact, often alongside intimidation and …

Black children are more than six times more likely to re-enter foster care than white children.<br />(Jade M/peopleimages.com)<br />

Report: Strengthening PA child-welfare system for kids, families

The 14th annual "State of Child Welfare in Pennsylvania" report is out. It shows some progress but also highlights ongoing areas of concern. Reports …

It is estimated more than 1 million people are trafficked in the U.S. yearly, according to the organization Hope for Justice. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Experts: Human traffickers prey on the vulnerable

Today is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, and experts said the trafficking of women, children, and men continues to be a problem in Ohio…

According to the United Nations, human traffickers often use violence, fraudulent employment agencies and fake promises of education and job opportunities to trick and coerce their victims. (Adobe stock)

IN partners with truckers to raise human trafficking awareness

Truckers and other commercial drivers see a lot while crisscrossing Indiana, which is why they are partnering with law enforcement this week to raise …

In her 2024 State of the State address, Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed allocating $20 million for district attorneys to gather evidence to prosecute abusers and have any firearms they own taken away. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NYC intimate-partner violence reaches new high

A new report finds New York City intimate-partner violence increased almost 30% between 2022 and 2023. The city's Domestic Violence Fatality Review …

Utah women and girls experience disproportionate exposure to adverse childhood experiences, with 18.3% of females reporting four or more, compared with 13.9% of males. (Jose Manuel/Adobe Stock)

Research sheds light on current status of Utah women, girls

New research spotlights the status of women and girls in Utah, in five areas of focus. At Utah State University, Susan Madsen, founding director of …

State data show in Kentucky, more than 45% of women and around 35% of men have experienced intimate partner violence. (Adobe Stock)<br />

KY domestic violence data project aims to improve services

An effort is underway in Kentucky to better collect and analyze domestic violence data, with the goal of improving the lives of survivors and their …

Forensic nurses are trained to provide consultation testimony for civil criminal proceedings, courtroom testimony, and to intersect with the legal system in ways other health care professionals typically do not. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Forensic nurses offer trauma-informed care

Sexual assault survivors in rural Ohio may have to travel hours to get a forensic exam. During National Forensic Nurses Week, Ohio advocates say …

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or sexual violence, call the hotline at 775-221-7600 or text SASS to 839863 for free, confidential support. (Adobe Stock)

NV struggles to address rate of domestic violence; progress being made

Domestic Violence Awareness Month might be coming to an end, but a recent panel discussion was aimed at educating Nevadans about policy changes as …

The 2018 Farm Bill included the Pets and Women Safety Act or PAWS, (renamed Protecting Animals with Shelter) to strengthen protections for pets in domestic-abuse situations and provide grant money to help more shelters be able to accept house pets. (takafoto/Adobe Stock)

Legal protection, sheltering, for pets of NE domestic-abuse victims

For some people experiencing domestic violence, concern about the safety of their household pet can prevent them from leaving. In a survey of 2,500 …

Advocates are pushing Illinois lawmakers to pass

Advocacy groups push IL lawmakers to pass domestic violence firearms bill

Domestic violence and gun violence prevention advocates are urging the Illinois General Assembly to pass a bill to strengthen state laws protecting pe…

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