Domestic & Sexual Violence

New York and other states have the right to limit concealed weapon permits, ABA says in amicus brief

State and local governments have long had the right to tailor firearm regulations to their own judgments about how best to protect public health and safety, the ABA told the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday.

Sep 23, 2021 9:29 AM CDT

ABA president urges House to help prevent elder abuse

ABA President Patricia Lee Refo is urging the U.S. House of Representatives to pass bipartisan legislation to help prevent elder abuse across the country.

Jun 11, 2021 9:35 AM CDT

Woman is eligible for asylum because domestic abusers persecuted her for feminist opinions, 9th Circuit says

A woman who was persecuted by domestic abusers because of a feminist political opinion is eligible for asylum in the United States, a federal appeals court ruled Monday.

Apr 6, 2021 2:47 PM CDT

In growing trend, suits seek to hold motel operators liable for human trafficking

A lawsuit filed against the operators of several New Jersey motels is part of a growing trend to hold the hospitality industry liable for human trafficking at its properties.

Feb 25, 2021 1:42 PM CST

Ethics case tossed against judge accused of allowing reality TV show to film in her courtroom

A hearing panel has dismissed ethics charges against a Florida judge accused of allowing a reality TV show to film domestic violence cases in her courtroom, according to an order filed Tuesday.

Feb 4, 2021 12:44 PM CST

First-ever ABA Giving Day addresses COVID-19 and racial justice

A new ABA initiative is encouraging lawyers to invest in projects that “counter the impact of COVID-19 and champion racial justice across America.”

Oct 21, 2020 10:05 AM CDT

Judge faces ethics charges for reality TV show featuring courtroom domestic violence cases

A judge in Miami-Dade County, Florida, is facing ethics charges for allowing the producers of a reality TV show to film actual domestic violence cases in her courtroom.

May 12, 2020 9:45 AM CDT

New Title IX regulations give more rights to college students accused of sexual misconduct

Final regulations issued Wednesday give college students accused of sexual misconduct additional due process rights. The regulations apply to student sexual harassment allegations at schools that receive federal financial assistance.

May 7, 2020 11:37 AM CDT

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ treatment of sexual assault hits home during COVID-19 pandemic

This has been one of the most challenging installments I’ve written over the almost three years the ABA Journal has been publishing my column on law and pop culture. Now, the difficulty doesn’t stem from the subject matter of this column (as you can tell from the title, it’s relatively…

Apr 30, 2020 11:49 AM CDT

How the COVID-19 pandemic creates obstacles for sexual assault survivors

The virus could impact victims who may delay going to hospital because they have other priorities during the crisis, including coping with a job loss or struggling to make their rent.

Apr 23, 2020 11:39 AM CDT

State laws provide for civil actions and other creative remedies for trafficking survivors

States are implementing or updating their own laws to better protect and support survivors. While criminal protections may permit survivors to seal, vacate or expunge records or provide them with immunity, civil remedies can help them restore lost income and pay off significant debts.

Feb 1, 2020 1:04 AM CST

Jehovah’s Witnesses not negligent in $35M child-abuse case, court rules

The Montana Supreme Court has reversed a $35 million judgment against Jehovah’s Witnesses for failing to report that one of its members had been sexually abusing children for years.

Jan 13, 2020 1:40 PM CST

Lawyer indicted after he’s accused of trying to strangle magistrate girlfriend

A Houston-area attorney was indicted by a grand jury Wednesday after being accused of trying to strangle his girlfriend—a county magistrate—last summer.

Jan 10, 2020 2:25 PM CST

Deputy city attorney and his family died in murder-suicide, authorities say

A Los Angeles deputy city attorney allegedly shot and killed his wife and son and fired at his daughter before turning the gun on himself at their Northridge, California, home Wednesday.

Sep 13, 2019 11:49 AM CDT

Same-sex couples aren’t afforded equal abuse protections in this state

If the woman known as M.E. had lived with her girlfriend in North Carolina, she could have gotten significant legal protection once their relationship turned abusive. She would also have been eligible for that help—a domestic violence protective order—if her ex had been a man. But because she did not…

Aug 28, 2019 1:00 PM CDT