ICYMI – USA Swimming has a scandal on its hands

Last week, The Orange County Register published an excellent two-part series on the sex abuse cover-up scandal inside of USA Swimming. Some of horrific facts reporter Scott M. Reid unearthed: • Top USA Swimming executives, board members, top officials and coaches acknowledge in the documents that they were aware of sexually predatory coaches for years,…Continue reading ICYMI – USA Swimming has a scandal on its hands

California outlaws secret abuse settlements, hidden evidence

The era of secret child sex abuse settlements in California is over. I am usually quick to beat up on California Governor Jerry Brown for his poor record on protecting institutions who cover-up child sex abuse. But a new law enacted January 1, 2017, slipped under my radar— and organizations who harbor men and women who…Continue reading California outlaws secret abuse settlements, hidden evidence

Ask a Question Friday: Reporting and Institutions

This week’s question, two days late. Joelle, how do scandals in places like Penn State and the Catholic Church start? I mean, these aren’t bad people in these institutions, right? Will new policies by these organizations and others make sure that men and women who abuse children are reported and stopped, instead of protected? This…Continue reading Ask a Question Friday: Reporting and Institutions

Institutions need to get out of the sex abuse investigation business

Your question of the day: You see a child being sexually abused and beaten on a street corner. Whom do you call? Answer: The local university, your bishop, your commander or the leader of the closest nonprofit. Ridiculous? Of course it is. Utterly absurd? Yes. Child endangerment? You bet. So let’s try again with the correct…Continue reading Institutions need to get out of the sex abuse investigation business

The CA Child Victims Act Needs Your Support – NOW

The California Child Victims Act—SB 131—has made it through Appropriations and is scheduled for a vote on the Senate Floor TOMORROW. The bill dramatically extends the civil statute of limitations for children who are sexually abused and gives older victims a one-year window to come forward, expose their abuser and seek accountability. In short, if…Continue reading The CA Child Victims Act Needs Your Support – NOW

A symposium has never stopped sex abuse and cover-up

What if Pablo Escobar had hosted a symposium on Drug Trade Gangland Violence Prevention? No matter what well-respected, hard-working experts he invited, the symposium wouldn’t have stopped the continued promulgation of violence in the Columbian Drug Cartel. Later this month, Penn State will be hosting a symposium on child sexual abuse and prevention. Their list…Continue reading A symposium has never stopped sex abuse and cover-up