Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault / Public News Service

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 …

Abuse can occur in all types of relationships, regardless of sexual orientation, gender expression or gender. (Adobe Stock)

Dating Violence: Young Love Shouldn't be Dangerous

LANSING, Mich. - Romance is top of mind for many young people in Michigan planning to celebrate Valentine's Day this weekend. And while teen romance …

The child-welfare system in West Virginia would face more than $23 million in budget cuts if West Virginia lawmakers get rid of the state's personal income tax. (Adobe stock)

WV Bid to Abolish Income Tax Called “Devastating” to Children

CHARLESTON, WV - Some of West Virginia's lawmakers are proposing abolishing the state's personal income tax during this year's legislative session…

In today's online universe, dating abuse and even violence often can take place by cellphone. (Adobe Stock)

Teen Dating Violence: Red, Green Flags of Relationships

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Young love is supposed to be sweet and fun, yet one in three teens experiences abuse from a romantic partner. February is Teen …

Because it occurs behind closed doors, quantifying the scope of human trafficking is difficult. (AdobeStock)

Human Trafficking: Pandemic Increases Vulnerability, Diminishes Response

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and advocates in Ohio say COVID-19 has made awareness more important than ever…

Some California anti-domestic violence programs emphasize healing for the survivor as well as for the person who is prone to violence.(Motortion/Adobestock)

CA Groups Work on New Approaches to Curb Domestic Violence

By Claudia Boyd Barrett for Yes! Media. Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the YES! Media - California …

Healthy masculinity involves speaking out against abusive language and behaviors. (Adobe Stock)

Using 'Healthy Masculinity' to Curb Gender-Based Violence

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- "Know better. Do better. Be better." That's the message violence-prevention advocates are hoping catches on among young men and …

Advocates for survivors of sexual assault worry cuts to funding could affect the ability of crisis centers to help them. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio's Sexual-Assault Response Network Faces Massive Cuts

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- In an already challenging year, advocates for sexual-assault survivors in Ohio are grappling with major funding cuts. The state's …

At least 70% of domestic-violence fatalities in Ohio involve a handgun. (AdobeStock)

Ohio Domestic-Violence Deaths Rise as Programs Face Cuts

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- New data is highlighting the need to strengthen programs that help prevent and respond to domestic violence. An annual report from …

The number of Mainers requesting help with domestic violence situations increased close to 150% from April through June compared to the same period in 2019. (PickPik/Creative Commons)

Maine Domestic-Violence Shelters Get Creative as Needs Surge

AUGUSTA, Maine - It's Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the groups that help survivors in Maine are expecting another record number of requests …

Children see approximately 78,069 examples of "sexy girl" role models just in children's programming alone every year. (Lars Plougmann)

Helping Wyoming Kids Be Critical Media Consumers During Pandemic

CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- Kids in Wyoming and across the nation are facing more social isolation during the coronavirus pandemic, which means they're …

Domestic violence shelters are adjusting living areas to accommodate the learning needs of Ohio kids during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Safe Spaces Become Learning Spaces for Children Fleeing Violence

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Families and educators in Ohio aren't the only ones coping with back-to-school challenges during a pandemic. Domestic violence …

Kentucky leads the nation in cases of child abuse and neglect, according to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (Adobe Stock)

KY Child Welfare System “Pushed to the Brink”

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- The state's child welfare system is struggling to keep pace with unprecedented levels of mental distress among families, according …

Some Ohio pharmacies are providing information about resources for domestic-violence survivors to customers. (AdobeStock)

Pharmacies Becoming Safe Space for Domestic-Violence Survivors

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Some of the measures intended to help stop the spread of COVID-19 are making difficult times even more challenging for victims of …

Mistrust of police is cited as one of the main reasons why women of color who are victims of domestic violence don't seek help from mainstream assistance groups. (Adobe Stock)

Drive Aims to Boost Non-Mainstream Domestic-Violence Groups

MILWAUKEE, Wis. -- An initiative is under way to extend the reach of smaller nonprofits in Wisconsin that assist victims of domestic abuse and sexual …

Brain injuries from domestic violence can cause physical and mental issues, including headaches, fatigue, dizziness, depression and anxiety. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Research Brings to Light Brain Injuries from Domestic Abuse

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Sometimes, the impacts of physical abuse run deeper than a scar, and researchers in Ohio are digging deeper into cognitive injuries …

Hyper-masculine attitudes and behaviors contribute to the idea that men must be strong and in control. (AdobeStock)

New Playbook to Help Ohio Men Prevent Violence

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- "Boys will be boys." "Nice guys finish last." And "Man-up" are just some of the expressions that men may be told throughout …

Experts say kids are making fewer reports of abuse because during the pandemic, they've had less contact with trusted adults outside their household. (bigandt/iStockphoto)

Fewer NH Child-Abuse Reports During Pandemic Raising Concerns

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. -- Reports of child abuse and neglect to New Hampshire's Division of Children, Youth and Families have been down nearly 50% over the …

According to federal data, a parent is the perpetrator in nearly 80% of substantiated cases of child maltreatment nationwide. (Adobe Stock)

KY Experts Warn Child Abuse Could Spike Amid Economic Uncertainty

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and experts say home isolation, job loss and economic uncertainty all increase the …

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