The testing has also produced over 750 DNA matches to an FBI database. The Wayne County prosecutor’s office has so far issued warrants for 23 alleged rapists, convicted 14 of them, and three are awaiting trial.
Violence Against Women Came to the Forefront at Last Nights’ Grammy Awards
The 57th Annual Grammy Awards set a new precedent last night with a speech from a domestic violence survivor and activist and the airing of a PSA from President Obama about violence against women.
UVA President Announces Initiatives to Curb Campus Sexual Assault
The University of Virginia’s president, Teresa Sullivan, recently spoke to the campus community about what’s next in their push to end sexual assault on campus and strengthen their policies for survivrs.
New UK Guidelines Would Put the Onus on Rape Suspects, Not Victims, in Sexual Violence Cases
If the new guidelines are utilized, rape suspects will be required to offer hard proof that consent was given “with full capacity and freedom to do so.”
Former Vanderbilt Football Players Found Guilty in Campus Sexual Assault Case
Cory Batey and Brandon Vandenburg, both former football players, will hear their sentencing on March 6.
More Women Agents at the Border Could Mitigate Sexual Assault Crisis
Following rampant accusations of sexual assault and harassment of female migrants, Customs and Border Protection is looking to boost the number of female agents on staff.
Activists Call on the President to Stand with Survivors of Rape in War
More than 20 organizations, including the Feminist Majority, the Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE), Advocates for Youth, and several human rights and faith-based groups, came together to urge President Obama to ensure that US foreign assistance helps survivors of war rape access comprehensive medical care, including abortion.
Pentagon Report Shows Continued Scourge of Military Sexual Assault
According to the the Pentagon report, there were about 19,000 cases of sexual assault or unwanted sexual contact last year – over 50 cases a day. Of those who do report, nearly two-thirds reported that they faced retaliation.
UVA President Suspends Greek Life Organizations After Revelation of Campus Rape Culture
The decision closely follows the release of a Rolling Stone article detailing a pattern of rape and sexual assault occurring at UVA fraternities, which has caused student and faculty protests and sparked national outrage.
Oklahoma City Police Officer Will Go to Trial for 36 Counts of Sexual Assault
After a two-day preliminary hearing, an Oklahoma state court judge ordered that Daniel Holtzclaw, an Oklahoma City police officer, will stand trial for sexually assaulting 13 African-American women while on duty.
UN Committee Reviews US on Police Brutality and Gender-Based Violence
Police brutality, military sexual assault, and gender-based violence in the US came under scrutiny this week.
Campus Sexual Assault Survey Finds One in Six MIT Women Are Survivors
One in six women at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have experienced some form of sexual assault, but only 5 percent have reported it.
Staff at Immigration Center Accused of Sexually Abusing Women Detainees
Several civil rights organizations have filed a complaint against a privately run detention center in Texas, citing widespread allegations of sexual abuse and harassment.
Legislation to Support Testing of Backlogged Rape Kits Goes to President’s Desk
The Senate on Thursday voted to renew the Debbie Smith Act, aimed at cutting the backlog of untested rape kits. The bill, already passed in the House, now heads to President Obama to become law.
Ohio State University Agrees to Strengthen Sexual Assault Policies, Ending Federal Investigation
The United States Department of Education has completed its investigation into The Ohio State University’s compliance with anti-sex discrimination law Title IX, and OSU has agreed to take steps to strengthen its policies on sexual assault and harassment.
New California Law Takes Military Sexual Assault Cases Out of the Chain of Command
The law also now requires the California Military Department to report annually to the state government on sexual assault incidences and prevention plans.
Senator Boxer Pushes for Sexual Assault Victim’s Advocates at California Universities
Senator Barbara Boxer urged California universities to create independent sexual assault victim’s advocates on their campuses in a letter sent out on Tuesday.
Peru Finally Complies with Sexual Assault Settlement
Twenty years ago, a doctor at a hospital in Peru raped a 22-year-old woman who was getting medical care. Now, after human-rights groups fought for the case, the Peruvian government has finally settled the case.
Congress Introduces Legislation to Protect Students from Sexual Assault
The Campus Accountability and Safety Act, cosponsored by Senators Claire McCaskill, Dean Heller, Richard Blumenthal, Chuck Grassley, Kirsten Gillibrand, Kelly Ayotte, Mark Warner, and Marco Rubio, focuses on steps colleges can take to proactively protect students.
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University of Connecticut to Pay Over $1.2 Million in Sexual Assault Settlement
The University of Connecticut will have to pay almost $1.3 million in settlement fees on a sexual assault lawsuit – but school officials refuse to admit guilt.
