Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault / Public News Service

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…

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports one in three women in the United States has experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. (Adobe Stock)

IN domestic violence rates remain at troubling levels

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The most recent study from the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence cites a 181% …

Over one 24-hour period in March 2022, domestic-violence hotlines in Nebraska received 182 calls, an average of eight per hour, and 523 adults and children received services. (Fizkes/Adobe Stock)

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Help available in every NE county

It is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, calling attention to an issue affecting up to 12 million men, women and children in the nation …

In Ohio, 27 counties had fatal incidents of domestic violence between July 2022 and June 2023, according to the latest Domestic Violence Fatality Report. (Adobe Stock)

New report shows 112 domestic-violence fatalities in Ohio over past year

In the past year, 112 Ohioans died because of domestic violence, according to data recently released by the Ohio Domestic Violence Network According …

Between July 2020 and June 2021, the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence's shelters operated at 156% of capacity. (Adobe Stock)

CT advocates observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month

As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a Connecticut group wants to better educate people about the problem. The National Coalition Against …

About one in four women, and nearly one in 10 men, have experienced sexual violence, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Support for OH domestic violence survivors for substance use, mental health

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and in the last few years, Ohio has seen an increase in both the number and severity of …

Idaho law enforcement received nearly 6,000 reported incidents of intimate partner violence in 2022. (nito/Adobe Stock)

Domestic violence awareness month: struggles for pregnant, indigenous people

October is domestic violence awareness month. The issue remains prevalent across the nation and in Idaho. Nearly one in three women experience …

Safe Harbor of Northeast Kentucky's emergency shelter staff. (Jesse Jones)

KY domestic violence programs struggle to meet demand

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and state data show in Kentucky, more than 45% and around 35% of men have experienced intimate …

According to experts, keeping your smartphone's security software up to date is one way for domestic violence survivors to protect themselves from technology-facilitated abuse. (Adobe Stock)

Preventing domestic abuse in the digital world

Domestic violence service and prevention groups say abuse can happen in many ways, and using technology is one of them. They remind anyone …

House Bill 4945 and House Bill 4946, sponsored by state Sen. Stephanie Chang, D-Detroit, were voted out of the Michigan Senate Judiciary Committee last week. (Adobe Stock)

MI lawmakers debate tougher gun laws for domestic violence convictions

Michigan state lawmakers are moving closer to restricting gun ownership for more people who have been convicted of domestic violence. The House …

A decision from the Washington Supreme Court ensures people can bring childhood sexual abuse cases within three years of evidence discovery. (Cagkan/Adobe Stock)

WA Supreme Court Clears Roadblock for Hearing Some Childhood Sexual Abuse Cases

A recent ruling from the Washington state Supreme Court lowers the barriers for bringing some childhood sexual abuse cases to court. Justices …

Intimate-partner violence includes violence, abuse and controlling behavior committed by a partner or former partner. It can result in long-lasting adverse mental-health outcomes, and is a leading cause of homelessness and housing instability. (Adobe Stock)

Housing First Model Helps Domestic-Violence Survivors

Victims of domestic violence who are able to access housing -- at their own pace, and with support for as long as the survivor needs help -- …

The National Organization for Women notes abusers might exploit a person's disability to further exert power and control over their victim. Life after a sexual assault for a disabled person can be challenging since trauma-informed services addressing sexual abuse and a person's disability are limited. (Adobe Stock)

Preventing Sexual Assault Against NY'ers with Developmental Disabilities

Advocates for New Yorkers with disabilities are voicing concerns about cases of sexual assault against people with developmental disabilities…

Research suggests that non-parental child care, particularly center-based care, may attenuate the negative influences of some forms of intimate-partner violence on young children's behavioral outcomes. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Lack of Child-Care Options Impacts KY Domestic-Violence Survivors

Kentucky's child-care crisis could get worse when federal assistance for child-care centers runs out, and that could increase barriers for survivors …

In 2020, the University of South Dakota became the latest academic institution to develop a graduate-level studies program, inspired by the Zero Abuse Project, that gives students a more realistic experience in responding to child maltreatment cases. (Adobe Stock)

SD Sees Progress in Boosting Training for Child-Abuse Case Workers

A South Dakota academic program that enhances training for those who respond to child abuse and neglect cases is gaining momentum. In the past …

If you are a victim of human trafficking or suspect you know someone who is, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline, a national 24-hour, toll-free, multilingual resource: 1-888-373-7888. (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)

IA Marks World Anti-Trafficking Day: Hotline Reports up 61%

Sunday is World Day Against Trafficking in Humans, and in Iowa state officials are calling on residents to do more to help. Reports of trafficking …

Ohio survivor Christa Hullaby now helps other domestic violence survivors working to build a new life. (Christa Hullaby)<br />

After Years of Budget Cuts, Ohio Boosts Support for Domestic Violence Survivors

Advocacy groups say a $20 million statewide funding increase will help rebuild community domestic violence services after years of budget cuts…

Teaching about boundaries is not just helpful for adults, but children as well. (artit/Adobe Stock)

ID Child Sex Abuse Cases Stress Urgency of Prevention Methods

An unfortunate spate of child sexual abuse cases in Idaho is putting prevention methods in the spotlight. A Kuna middle school teacher recently …

Sexual assault in the home is a leading cause of homelessness among women and girls, according to the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence. (Adobe Stock)

OH Program Provides Housing for Sexual Violence Survivors

Sexual assault survivors in Ohio can now access short-term emergency housing through a new program run by the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence…

In 2020, 3,168 adult and children were served in Utah domestic violence shelters, but close to 2,200 requests for shelter were unmet. (Adobe Stock)

UT Measure Aims to Cut 'Lethal' Domestic Violence Incidents

It has been just days since Utah leaders enacted a bill that requires law enforcement agencies to conduct a 12-question assessment in response to dome…

Organizers behind a community-driven approach in South Dakota to prevent child maltreatment say residents volunteering as tutors can be one way to provide much-needed stability for at-risk youth. (Adobe Stock)

SD Sees Growth with Community Approach to Prevent Child Maltreatment

The federal COVID-19 public health emergency may be over, but there is lingering concern about the mental state of children. In South Dakota…

According to research from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Virginia police estimate there are 31,000 active protective orders on file at any given time in the state. (Adobe Stock)

VA Group Working to Aid Domestic Violence Victims, Survivors

A Virginia group is working to ensure abusers can't use the courts to keep harming their victims. Commonly called "abusive litigation," these come …

Either the Office of Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokia or Dr. Caitlin Bernard can appeal the Indiana Medical Licensing Board's decision in Marion County Superior Court. (Adobe Stock)

Board Fines Indiana Doc for Speaking about 10-Year-Old's Abortion

An Indiana licensing board has fined a local physician $3,000 and handed her a letter of reprimand after she went public about a 10-year-old Ohio pati…

One in three API women report experiencing sexual violence victimization, not including rape, in their lifetime, according to the Center at 909. (Adobe Stock)

Cultural Barriers May Prevent API Sexual Violence Survivors from Seeking Help

May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, and according to the Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence, the number of Asian American …

A case before the Washington state Supreme Court dates back to public-records requests of employees' information by 2019. (CLShebley/Adobe Stock)

WA High Court Examines Domestic Violence Survivors' Right to Shield Records

Washington state Supreme Court justices are hearing a case today that involves access to records for public employees who have survived domestic vio…

Officials encourage victims to report sexual and domestic abuse to a national hotline, 800-799-7233. It provides 24/7 service in English, Spanish and 200 other languages through interpreters. (Adobe Stock)

IA Looks to Shelter Victims, Survivors of Sexual Assault

Iowa groups have spent the past month focused on finding shelter and support for victims of sexual assault, to help them stay anonymous and safe…

Intimate partner violence can have long-term emotional, physical and economic effects, and research shows more incidents are being reported against men and people who are transgender. (Adobe Stock)

IN Group to Create Strategic Plan to Prevent Domestic Abuse

A grant has been awarded to a Central Indiana group to increase awareness about domestic violence and its traumatic effect on survivors. Indiana …

Around the world, Denim Day is observed to show support for victims and survivors of sexual assault. RAINN says females ages 16-19 are four times more likely than the general population to be victims of rape, attempted rape or sexual assault. (Adobe Stock)

NV Lawmakers Recognize 'Denim Day' in Support of Sexual Violence Survivors

Nevada lawmakers on Wednesday recognized 'Denim Day,' to rally against sexual violence by wearing denim during the Senate floor session. Denim Day …

One in seven children in the U.S. has experienced abuse or neglect in the past year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

ID Groups Plan 'Child Abuse Prevention Month' Activities

Child abuse happens to all children to varying degrees, according to experts, and during Child Abuse Prevention Month, several organizations in Idaho …

Ohio's domestic violence shelters provided emergency housing to nearly ten thousand people last year, according to the Ohio Domestic Violence Network (Adobe Stock)

Toolkit Helps Recognize Signs of Brain Injury in Domestic-Violence Survivors

People with no formal health training may be able to spot signs of brain injury in domestic-violence survivors, using a set of tools called CARE…

Animal protection groups say warning signs of pet maltreatment can include dogs or cats left in yards chained up, looking dirty and in need of food and water. (Adobe Stock)

Animal Cruelty Awareness Month: Family Violence Warning Signs

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, and Wisconsinites are urged to be aware of how family violence can affect pets - as well as the need …

From July 2019 to June 2020, North Carolina authorities investigated reports of possible neglect or abuse involving 117,268 children. (William/Adobe Stock)

Fayetteville Center Calls for Vigilance in Reporting Child Abuse

North Carolinians are being asked this month to remember their crucial duty as mandated reporters of suspected child abuse. Last year, as a grim …

Experts estimate that one in 10 kids experiences sexual abuse by their 18th birthday. (Nichizhenova Elena/Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

GA Centers Combat Child-Abuse Misconceptions with Impactful Initiatives

Georgia saw more than 62,000 reports of child abuse in 2020, representing more than 120,000 children. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month…

Ohio Domestic Violence Network Policy Director Maria York addresses legislators, domestic violence advocates and news media at the Ohio Statehouse during a recent Advocacy Day event. (Ohio Domestic Violence Network)

Amid More Severe Domestic Violence Cases, Ohio Advocates Call for More Funding

Ohio's domestic violence shelters provided emergency housing to nearly 10,000 people last year, and advocates are calling for a funding boost…

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has said he would sign a proposed six-week abortion ban into law if it gets to his desk. (Pixabay)

'Scary Times,' as FL Republicans Propose 6-Week Abortion Ban

On the opening day of Florida's legislative session, Republican lawmakers filed bills in the House and Senate to ban abortions after six weeks…

More than half of women and nearly one in four men have experienced sexual violence during their lifetime, according to the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio’s Rape Crisis Centers See Boost in State Funding

Gov. Mike DeWine recently announced he's providing $30 million to boost rape crisis services statewide, after years of federal funding cuts. …

A new national study says rates of online childhood sexual abuse are particularly high for girls at 23% compared to 7% for boys. (Adobe Stock)

Internet Task Forces Balance Tips, Tech Hurdles in Protecting Kids

South Dakota investigators say they're carrying heavy caseloads dealing with internet crimes against children. There's hope new research and pressure …

Washington state broadened protections for child sexual abuse survivors three decades ago, but critics argue its fallen behind since then. (Rawf8/Adobe Stock)

WA Bill Eliminates Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Cases

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

More than 80% of women with disabilities have been sexually assaulted, and research suggests that these women experience more frequent and more severe acts of violence, according to <a href=

data from the YWCA. (Adobe Stock)
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Increasing Support for Ohio Sexual Assault Survivors with Disabilities

Ohio community groups seeking ways to increase support for sexual assault survivors living with disabilities. A January 23rd training session hosted …

Iowa Takes Aim at Human Trafficking

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month and Iowa is working to address the problem by educating businesses about the potential signs and dangers…

Last March, Wyoming lawmakers passed a law that would ban abortions in most cases if the U.S. Supreme Court decided to overturn Roe v. Wade, which the high court did in June. (Adobe Stock)

Wyoming Supreme Court Sends Suit Over Abortion Ban Back to District

The Wyoming Supreme Court has decided it will not weigh in on a lawsuit that has temporarily halted a ban on abortions in the state. Citing a state …

Research indicates the number of women who have experienced Traumatic Brain Injury secondary to domestic violence is 11 to 12 times greater than experienced by military personnel and athletes combined. (Adobe Stock)

Initiative Aims to Fill Health-Care Gap Among Domestic-Violence Survivors

A new statewide initiative aims to help connect domestic-violence survivors with medical providers, with a focus on treating traumatic brain injury…

A bill poised to become federal law would require cell-phone companies to, among other things, separate a domestic violence survivor's phone line from their abuser's plan within two business days of receiving a request. (Adobe Stock)

Pending Law Helps Domestic Violence Survivors with Phone Plans

A bill headed to President Joe Biden's desk addresses a long-standing problem for domestic violence survivors, ending their ties to their abusers' …

Junior high students have reported incidents of sexual harassment, according to Ohio's rape crisis centers. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Rape Crisis Centers Share Successes, Challenges

Rape crisis centers assist sexual abuse survivors and educate about violence prevention, and collaboration is a key aspect of their work. The Ohio …

On a single day in 2020, domestic-violence hotlines in the United States received 21,321 calls, an average of almost 15 calls every minute. (Adobe Stock)<br />

SD Group: Multi-Faceted Approach Needed to Stop Domestic Violence

October is winding down, but groups working to prevent domestic violence still are hoping the public hears their message during Domestic Violence …

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