Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault / Public News Service

The national organization RAINN says DNA evidence is a critical factor in achieving justice for survivors of sexual violence, but there are still challenges in the way evidence is collected, stored, tracked and used to hold perpetrators accountable. (Adobe Stock)

SD eyes possible reforms involving sexual assault kits

When South Dakota's new budget kicks in this week, there will be money to address potential funding shortfalls for rape kits. At the same time…

Between 2016 and 2023, Ohio reported fewer than 100 annual voyeurism cases statewide, but it is believed the actual number is far higher, as most incidents go unreported. Hidden devices have been discovered in dorms, restrooms and short-term rentals. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio legislation seeks felony charges for repeat voyeurs

By Savana Capp / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Ohio legislators are …

Ohio allocates 85 cents per capita for domestic violence services, less than all five surrounding states, which range from $1.31 to $3.06 per person. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio domestic violence prevention programs face funding concerns

The federal budget proposal now being hashed out in Congress would significantly reduce funding for programs aiming to prevent domestic violence and a…

Ohio's federal victim service funding dropped 77% from $117M in 2018 to $26M in 2024, forcing rape crisis centers to rely heavily on state support. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio advocates call to protect survivor services

Advocates are urging Ohio lawmakers to preserve critical funding for rape crisis centers in the upcoming state budget. The request comes amid deep …

On a single day in 2024, Ohio domestic violence hotlines received 636 contacts, or nearly 27 per hour. (Adobe Stock)

Hundreds turned away as OH domestic violence shelters face budget pressures

A new report showed programs serving domestic violence survivors in Ohio are stretched thin, with hundreds of people who need help being turned away …

Gallup, New Mexico, has a disproportionately high number of

FBI promises missing Indigenous investigations but deletes historical data

The FBI has said it will add resources in 10 states including New Mexico to tackle unresolved crimes, with a focus on those related to missing and …

According to data cited by the North Dakota Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Task Force, 91% of children are sexually abused by someone they know and trust. (Adobe Stock)

ND communities gain knowledge on preventing child sexual abuse

A North Dakota task force raising awareness about child sexual abuse is close to wrapping up its work and its leader said she hopes more communities u…

After collaborating with dozens of sexual assault survivors and various professionals handling rape kits, the End the Backlog organization developed six pillars intended to guide states toward policies to enact meaningful and feasible change. (Adobe Stock)

Mississippi rape kit tests reveal serial offender patterns as backlog persists

New data show a 27% increase in rape kit testing across Mississippi since the state implemented a 2023 law requiring all new sexual assault evidence t…

Niesha Neal said she was tokenized and underpaid while working under former executive director Kelly McBride at the Domestic Violence Prevention Network from 2021 to 2022. (Jenna Waton/Mirror Indy)

Indiana survivor says nonprofit exploited her story

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 …

Nearly 33% of adults with intellectual disabilities have experienced sexual violence, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. (Adobe Stock)

IN sexual assault victims often suffer in silence, urged to seek help

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Crimes against men and women ranging from grabbing and fondling to rape to criminally deviant conduct are …

LGBTQ+ youths are nearly four times more likely to be victimized, and are particularly vulnerable to experiencing unwanted sexual advances online. (Adobe Stock)

Research: One in seven Utah children is a victim of sexual abuse

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and new research at Utah State University finds one in seven Utah children experiences sexual abuse --…

In 2024 alone, Ohio's rape crisis centers responded to more than 40,000 helpline calls and educated 95,000 Ohioans about sexual violence prevention efforts. (Talyr Ucker-Lauderman of OAESV)

Ohio advocacy day puts spotlight on sexual violence awareness

More than 100 people came to the Ohio Statehouse to mark National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month late last week. As part of the 13th …

Kyan Higgins Jr, a 10-year-old boy and victim of child abuse who lived in Louisville, Ky. Animal Control officers visited his home 24 times in the 18 months leading up to his death. (Kentucky Youth Advocates)<br />

KY bill would equip animal control officers to spot signs of child abuse

A proposed Kentucky law would require animal control officers statewide to undergo training on identifying and reporting child abuse. Kyan's Law is …

A study by the University of California-San Diego and Tulane University found that as of 2022, intimate-partner violence against women cost California almost $74 billion a year in health care, lost earnings, criminal-justice expenses and survivor support. (Tinnakorn/Adobe Stock)

Prison-based program in CA aims to interrupt cycle of violence

By Ricky Rodas for Yes! Magazine.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Yes! Magazine-Public News Service …

Legislation failed to pass this session which would have capped health care providers' fees at $50 for patients and their advocates to access their records. (xixinxing/Adobe Stock)

WA patients face huge fees to access medical records

Patient's rights advocates are working to restrict huge fees some Washington patients must pay in order to access their complete medical records…

There were more than 5,700 cases of missing or murdered Indigenous women and girls reported in 2016 in the U.S. Fewer than 200 were logged in the Department of Justice database. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Alarming violence rates continue against Indigenous women

Indigenous people have made great contributions to the state of Wisconsin yet the alarming rates of violence against them remains a public health cris…

Volunteer lobbyists next Tuesday will encourage legislators to improve the infrastructure needed to address homelessness across the state. (Adobe Stock)

Volunteer lobbyists to press Colorado lawmakers on homelessness

Coloradans who want to help move the needle on homelessness can still sign up for a lobbying day next Tuesday at the State Capitol. Cathy Alderman…

Columbus police reported more than 800 felony domestic-violence incidents in the city last year. (Pascal Huot/Adobe Stock)

Ohio's domestic-violence advocates struggle amid DeWine's proposed budget

Gov. Mike DeWine's recently released biennial budget keeps funding for domestic violence services at $20 million, maintaining the same level as the …

Nebraska proposal would fund housing for domestic abuse survivors

The Nebraska Legislature is considering a bill that would provide nearly $1 million to help survivors of domestic abuse and sex trafficking pay for em…

In 2020, nearly every victim service provider in Ohio experienced a 37% cut in their Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding, significantly impacting their ability to support survivors. (ozerkina/Adobe Stock)

Federal funding instability challenges Ohio's crisis support services

Service providers and advocacy groups in Ohio and across the country are facing uncertainty following recent executive orders that have thrown federal…

The Victims of Crime Act of 1984 is a federal law helping people who have survived crime, through compensation and other services. (Pixabay)

MS gets $7M grant for supports to help crime victims heal

For crime survivors in Mississippi, the healing journey often begins with finding resources that can feel out of reach. A $7 million grant from the …

Studies suggest up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence annually. (motortion/Adobe Stock)

NM bill would help domestic abuse survivors get legal assistance

Women surveyed about why they stayed in an abusive relationship often said they did not have the money to leave. Now, a bill introduced in the New …

In South Dakota, 68% of missing persons are Native Americans even though they only make up 9% of the state's population. (Adobe Stock)

Resource gaps cloud efforts on cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. In South Dakota, the push to secure justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women remains …

A study by the Veterans Administration of Iraq or Afghanistan veterans found that those who experienced sexual trauma during their military service were twice as likely to become homeless. (Adobe Stock)

Lack of transportation leaves Maine women veterans stranded

A lack of reliable transportation for some women veterans in Maine is preventing them from getting the services they need. The Sisters in Arms …

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 …

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