We often write about the devastating and long-lasting psychological effects of sexual abuse suffered during childhood. Whether a victim was abused once or repeatedly, the trauma can last a lifetime and affect mental and psychological health in profound ways. But research is showing that mental health is just the tip of the iceberg. Childhood trauma, […]
One of the most frustrating roadblocks in pursuing justice for victims of sex abuse is the statute of limitations. Pennsylvania SOL laws tend to be more generous than those in other states, but they nonetheless prevent many victims from pursuing a civil lawsuit, criminal charges, or both. Statutes of limitations are even more problematic for […]
In today’s post, we will be continuing and concluding a three-part discussion about the prevention of child sex abuse. Although this is a serious and uncomfortable topic, conscientious adults can help prevent and report child sex abuse if they are given the tools they need to recognize and respond to it. As in previous posts, […]
In our post last week, we began a discussion about recognizing, preventing and responding to child sexual abuse. Advocacy groups like Darkness to Light (D2L) are actively working in Pennsylvania and around the country to combat child sex abuse and are asking all responsible adults to get involved. On its website, D2L outlines a five-step […]
With so much horrible news about the exploitation and abuse of children in America, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the scope of the problem. Most of us would like to do something to help, especially if it will directly protect the children we personally know and love. But what can we do? Thankfully, […]
When children are sexually abused by adults who are supposed to be loving and trustworthy, the experiences are more than traumatic. Often, victims are left feeling alone and isolated. They feel that no one can understand what they have gone through and that no one will even believe their accusations. This is especially the case […]
When the Boy Scouts of America began in 1910 and for decades afterward, it was regarded as an organization that imparted positive values and experiences to the boys and young men within its ranks. Many participants had such experiences, and kept participating with the BSA in a volunteer capacity when they reached adulthood. Sadly, however, […]
If there is any silver lining to be found in the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse scandal, it is that Sandusky’s actions forced Pennsylvanians to take a closer look at how state laws protect (or fail to protect) children. An examination of Pennsylvania laws revealed that there were some pretty serious flaws that needed to be […]
In December, we wrote about the fact that victims of sex abuse and other violent crime commonly experience lapses in memory and hazy recall of details. This phenomenon is not evidence that a victim is lying. Rather, research has shown that this is often a byproduct of the way that the human brain copes with trauma. […]
The Catholic Church is no stranger to litigation or money problems. Since victims of clergy sexual abuse began pursuing lawsuits against the church en masse, 11 Catholic dioceses across the U.S. have filed for bankruptcy protection. To be sure, child sexual abuse can (and does) occur in nearly all religious organizations. But the problem seems to be […]
