VAWnet News Blog

“Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper today issued new guidance to support victims of sexual assault who hold or wish to hold a government security clearance, but may be reluctant to seek mental health counseling for fear they may have to disclose the counseling on their application.”

“The special domestic violence criminal jurisdiction conferred under the VAWA reauthorization not only provides an additional tool to address violence in Indian country, but also strengthens and affirms tribal courts and tribal sovereignty.”

“The Department of Defense yesterday released updated policies and procedures aimed at combating sexual assaults in the military and improving care for victims.” Read more at: http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=119655    

“Dawn Maestas runs a tattoo-removal business in Albuquerque, N.M., and her clients include women who want the names of abusive partners removed.”

“Yes, March is Women’s History Month. But the month-long commemoration of female achievement is presumably not the reason Flanigan and the YWCA Family Violence Prevention Program of Wheeling, West Virginia, have received international donations on a scale unprecedented in the YWCA of Wheeling’s 107-year history.”

There is a lot to talk about when it comes to understanding child development in general. With childhood sexual development, things seem to be even trickier! While it’s not uncommon in our culture to shy away from talking about sex with our children, it’s incredibly important to do so. Increasing children’s knowledge about their bodies, sexuality, and development is one piece of the puzzle in preventing child sexual abuse.