Anyone who follows the news on a regular basis has probably noticed that high-profile stories about child sexual abuse have become sadly common. This does not mean, however, that sexual abuse itself has become more common. Rather, it likely means that abuse is becoming more widely reported, prompting much-needed public discussions. Child sex abuse is […]
Reality television has long allowed Americans to view individuals and families who, ironically, don’t seem real. There are, of course, plenty of shows that manufacture conflict and petty behavior for audience entertainment. But on the other end of the spectrum are families, often wholesome in a way that makes viewers wonder whether it is genuine. […]
Earlier this month, we wrote about the troubling way that social media is being used to mitigate liability in civil lawsuits. It is well understood that Facebook and similar sites are full of carefully cultivated pictures and posts meant to portray an idealized self-image of each user. Sadly, defense attorneys in civil lawsuits are increasingly […]
Although it remains a difficult subject for most people to discuss, the issue of child sex abuse is being made public in some very important ways. After the Jerry Sandusky scandal that shook communities throughout Pennsylvania, a filmmaker released the documentary “Happy Valley,” in part, to keep public dialogue alive. Recently, another documentary filmmaker has […]
Many stories of child sexual abuse have a tragically similar arc. The perpetrator, often in a position of authority with access to children, was able to sexually abuse children for years or even decades because victims didn’t have the opportunity to come forward. In many cases, victims who spoke up were not believed, and others […]
Sexually abusing a student is one of the most reprehensible crimes that anyone associated with an educational institution can commit. Teachers, counselors and other officials are people who children trust. When they abuse this position of power, it can have devastating effects on children. Abuse can lead to problems with intimacy, self-esteem, body image or […]
Child victims of sexual abuse in Pennsylvania only have a limited time to seek civil legal action against their abuser. The amount of time victims have to file a civil lawsuit could increase if a proposed bill is passed. The proposed bill would increase the amount of time to file a civil lawsuit to 50 […]
The criminal justice system is far from perfect, and there are many instances in which victims who deserve justice never receive it. Thankfully, for certain types of crimes, the civil justice system is an additional way that victims can seek justice and restitution. A recent example of an apparent criminal justice system failure is the […]
The sex abuse scandal involving Jerry Sandusky consumed the media here in Pennsylvania and around the country. When he was finally convicted and civil lawsuits were settled, many hoped that Sandusky would live out his days in prison and finally accept some responsibility for the crimes he has committed. Unfortunately, Mr. Sandusky appears to have […]
Ever since Pope Francis came into his role as head of the Catholic Church, he has defied expectations and won the hearts and minds of many Catholics and non-Catholics alike. His tolerant and liberal viewpoints on social issues have fueled much speculation that the Catholic Church may be headed in a new direction. But there […]
