Sexual Violence
Rape is Rape is Rape . . .
Jan 26, 2012 — Categories: Sexual ViolenceThe U.S. Department of Justice has updated its definition of rape. Now we can name more clearly what victims of rape have known for centuries.
16 Days is Not Long Enough
Nov 20, 2011 — Categories: Current Events, Other, Sexual ViolenceThis time last year I was on my way to Capetown, South Africa, to visit my friend, Elizabeth Petersen and the South African Faith and Family Institute (SAFFI). This was my first trip to this massive continent and, like so many people, I immediately fell in love with South Africa.
The Church of College Football
Nov 10, 2011 — Categories: Current Events, Child Abuse, Sexual ViolenceA former defensive coordinator for the Penn State football team, Jerry Sandusky (a priest in the Church of College Football), has been arrested and charged with sexual abuse of boys over a 15 year period.
“Corrective Rape”? No, Hate Crime
Oct 24, 2011 — Categories: Current Events, Violence Against Women, Sexual Violence“Corrective rape.” When I first heard this term, I stopped dead in my tracks. Having thought that I had heard it all when it came to violence against women, here was yet another perverse variation of rationale for sexual assault.
“Nothing New Here”
Sep 06, 2011 — Categories: Current Events, Sexual ViolenceThe only real news in the case of the charge of sexual assault against a powerful French politician is that the victim came forward and filed a complaint. The outcome is classic and predictable.
"Do Not Make Any Statements . . ."
May 18, 2011 — Categories: Current Events, Sexual ViolenceThis is the advice given by many insurance companies to clients who are churches or religious organizations when faced with a disclosure of abuse by one of their leaders. Frankly, it is advice that will very likely lead to lawsuits brought by survivors of abuse and to significant settlements paid out by insurers.
Who Needs to Confess? And What?
Apr 25, 2011 — Categories: Current Events, Child Abuse, Sexual Violence, Sexual Abuse by ClergyActress Ashley Judd recently disclosed that she was sexually abused as a child; American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi recently disclosed that she was sexually abused as a child; Senator Scott Brown from Massachusetts recently disclosed that he was sexually abused as a child. When each made a public disclosure, the media described these disclosures as “confessions.”
Dear Cardinal Mahony
Feb 17, 2011 — Categories: Current Events, Sexual Violence, Sexual Abuse by ClergyI realize that you are soon to retire as Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. I can only assume that you are exhausted from dealing with sexual abuse by priests in your diocese for so many years and from all of the subsequent scandals. I hope that you will have time to reflect on your role in addressing this longstanding problem of betrayal by your priests.
Preparing for Spring
Feb 01, 2011 — Categories: Current Events, Sexual Violence, Domestic ViolenceI look forward to the beginning of February, not in anticipation of February 2 as Groundhog Day (which I have never understood anyway), but in celebration of February 1 as the Feast Day of St. Brigit—she who breathes life into the dead of winter.
Rape Victim Apologizes to Church?
Jun 09, 2010 — Categories: Current Events, Sexual ViolenceThat’s right. In 1997, a fifteen-year-old girl was raped (allegedly) by Ernest Willis, an adult church member. As a result, she became pregnant. She was instructed by her pastor, Chuck Phelps, to come before the church, confess, and apologize for getting pregnant, and then she was kicked out of Trinity Baptist Church in Concord, NH.
Dear Pope: Are We Talking?
May 13, 2010 — Categories: Current Events, Sexual Violence, Sexual Abuse by ClergyI’m so glad you seem to be finding my advice helpful as you move to respond to the growing crisis over sexual abuse in the church. Your comments this week suggest that your understanding has deepened and your analysis is more on target.
Dear Pope: Check This Out
May 03, 2010 — Categories: Current Events, Sexual ViolenceI don’t know if you follow the National Football League in the U.S., but I think you will be interested in this.
Do You Know What a “Wifey” Is?
Mar 15, 2010 — Categories: Sexual Violence, Domestic ViolenceThe world of youth and young adults is a post-modern nightmare, where: • sexual harm is normalized • sexual exploitation is for many, a rite of passage • getting paid for sex is acceptable • sexting (texting nude images) is okay • monogamy is passé • participation in virtual alternate life games (role play)is the latest craze • the media says your value is based on how sexy you are • the depersonalization that comes with social networking is cool
Women’s Work Is Never Done
Mar 08, 2010 — Categories: Child Abuse, Sexual Violence, Domestic ViolenceMarch 8 is International Women’s Day. So I was pleased this past week to be in New York City for events surrounding the 54th Annual meeting of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. Not only is women’s work never done, our agenda continues to expand.
It Looks Like a Duck, Walks Like a Duck...
Jan 12, 2010 — Categories: Current Events, Sexual ViolenceIt seems that we have a really difficult time in our culture calling rape “rape.” Plus we are inclined to give celebrities a free pass when it comes to sexual assault.
"Don’t Let the Light Go Out . . ."
Dec 23, 2009 — Categories: Sexual Violence, Domestic ViolenceJews have just completed celebrating Hanukkah, the festival of lights. Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. And we all celebrate the passing of the winter solstice which assures us that, in the northern hemisphere, the days will surely get longer now.
Life Is Precious
Dec 10, 2009 — Categories: Sexual ViolenceLast week Carolyn Scott Brown, the Director of Educational Resources at FaithTrust Institute, and I went to see the new movie, Precious.
“The Bible Says . . .”
Nov 20, 2009 — Categories: Sexual Violence, Domestic Violence“The Bible says I can have sex with my 8-year-old child . . .” “The Bible says I can beat my wife because she is to be subject to me . . .” These and other biblical justifications haunt my consciousness.
Not Done Yet -- The US Violence Against Women Act Since 1994
Oct 05, 2009 — Categories: Current Events, Domestic Violence, Sexual ViolenceThis month is the 15th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in the U.S.
The Elders Name Religious Tradition and Practice as Sources of Harm to Women and Girls
Aug 04, 2009 — Categories: Current Events, Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence“. . . we believe that the justification of discrimination against women and girls on grounds of religion or tradition, as if it were prescribed by a higher authority, is unacceptable.”
