Native Americans women more likely to be victim of violent crime

"The chance an Indian woman will be the victim of a violent crime is three and a half times greater than the national average..." says the article.  What a scary statistic, and one that the Native American community would like to overcome.  With a new law to support them, they are making efforts to change these numbers.

This week, over 150 people in New Mexico met to discuss the Tribal Law and Order Act, a broad new federal law that will focus on crime on reservations.  The act will require training so that any officers that serve Indian Country will be able to interview sexual assault victims and collect evidence at the crime scene. 
A protocol for aiding these victims will also be established along with additional services.  They are hoping to improve the care and concern that both sexual assault and domestic violence victims are in need of. 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39768823/from/toolbar

Levy to get justice?

Nine years ago, a young pretty woman was killed in Washington DC.  Now, a man believed to be responsible  for her death is finally facing trial.  Chandra Levy's body was found in Rock Creek Park, where Ingmar Guandique had already been convicted of assaulting two other women.  Because of a high profile relationship Ms. Levy had with California congressman Gary Condit, it is believed Guandique was originally overlooked as a suspect.  The entire country was watching this case and Condit seemed to be the only person who might be able to answer the question of what happened to Chandra.  Even though it is said that Guandique admitted killing Levy and had discussed the crime with numerous prisoners while incarcerated, there is no physical evidence and he has never confessed to police.  Chandra Levy's family have waited many years to see someone be held responsible for her death.  Let's hope they aren't let down by a case that has has gone in many different directions, and put blame on more than one person over the years. 

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101017/ap_on_re_us/us_chandra_levy

Wisconsin District Attorney under investigation

When the people who are assigned to uphold the law and to keep the public safe from harm take advantage of victims, it's disappointing and difficult to understand.  When people in power abuse it, they tarnish the image of those who do their job respectfully.  District Attorney Ken Kratz has now been accused by a third woman for harassment.  Governor Jim Doyle of Wisconsin now has the job of investigating Kratz on the allegations and determining whether or not to try and remove Kratz from office.   Apparently, Kratz is unavailable for comment because he is now in an outpatient program.  The other women to come forward have been a domestic violence victim and a woman who claims Kratz wanted to take her to an autopsy after the had had dinner.  Aren't we supposed to trust people like Ken Kratz?  If the allegations are found to be true, how do we maintain and build trust with those in Kratz' position?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39294340/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/?gt1=43001

Protecting ourselves is costing us money

Sometimes when a sexual predator has served their prison sentence, but has been deemed too dangerous to enter back into the real world, they live out their life behind bars in what is called a civil commitment program. Although we may all feel a little safer and believe that is where they should be held, but these programs cost money-a lot of money. Minnesota alone spends $65 million a year to house and treat these offenders and they have a "smaller" facility, housing about 400 inmates. These sexual predators may not have freedom, but they have a roof over their head and three square meals a day which is more than some people who have done nothing wrong and are just trying to survive in this unstable economy. It just doesn't seem fair and yet lawmakers are at a loss as to what to do. It's unfortunate that the state has to incur the cost to make sure these people are "taken care of properly". Let's hope they are getting fed the bare minimum of cheap, bland food and that they all participate in cleaning and maintaining the facilities. This wouldn't be cruel and unusual punishment, and even if it was, the reason they are living out their life in these places is because of cruel acts that they have been convicted of . So what is the solution? How do we keep these predators locked away without putting ourselves into a bigger deficit? What steps can we take to ensure our safety without draining state funds?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37819608/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/from/ET

Joran Van Der Sloot at it again?

Natalee Holloway disappeared more than five years ago. She was in Aruba, on a class trip when she went missing. A local teen, Joran Van Der Sloot was arrested and released twice in her case, due to "insufficient evidence". The son of a prominent
judge, Van Der Sloot admitted he was with Natalee, but insists that he left her on the beach, drunk. An undercover journalist even filmed Van Der Sloot discussing Holloway, and how he asked a friend to dump her body in the ocean. Even though Holloway's family, with the support of American authorities, has pushed the Dutch government to pursue the case, they have had little or no help from island officials. Now, Joran Van Der Sloot has been arrested in Chile after a young woman was found dead in his hotel room in Peru. Stephany Flores is seen on video leaving a casino with him and again arriving at his hotel. Four hours after they arrived, Joran left alone and headed to Chile. He was arrested in Chile and authorities returned him to Peru to face charges. He has denied any involvement in Stephany's murder. Joran Van Der Sloot is also being sought by US officials after reports that he tried to extort money from Natalee Holloway's family, stating he would disclose the whereabouts of her remains. Apparently, this man has been able to do and say whatever he pleases without any kind of repercussions. No, he has not been found guilty of any crimes yet, but is it really a coincidence that two young women end up dead after spending time with him? There is said to be DNA evidence in Flores' murder, so hopefully that will be "sufficient evidence" to be able to prosecute him. Maybe now, facing serious charges in another country, he will finally pay the consequences for his actions. The island of Aruba cannot protect him now.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100603/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_peru_van_der_sloot
http://www.waff.com/Global/story.asp?S=12602490

Jennifer Schuett Lived to Tell

Jennifer Schuett is an inspiration. She forced herself to remember every detail of her assault. Raped as a child, she didn't want anyone else to be victimized by the same man. After twenty years, she got her wish. As horrendous as this crime was, the story of this woman's courage and determination is what makes this so amazing and empowering. Dennis Earl Bradford had kidnapped and raped eight year old Jennifer before trying to kill her. Thinking she would die, as she almost did, Bradford left her in a field. He went on to assault at least one other woman and served time in prison before he was let out on parole. He had a wife and children, and when confronted with the DNA evidence, confessed to the crimes. As comforting as it is that he is off the streets, he was a coward. Jennifer knew exactly what she would say to him, and wanted him to know that she never gave up looking for him. Before she could face him, he hung himself. Some people say death is what he deserved anyway, but Jennifer Schuett deserved to face him first, and speak the words she waited to say. Jennifer Schuett is a survivor no matter the outcome, and for that and her voice, we applaud her.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/37232072/ns/today-today_people/

Million Dollar Arrest Warrant Issued

Last week, Sacramento was on the lookout for a convicted sex offender who had a $1 million arrest warrant issued for him. Benjamin Dee Kendrick disappeared after police had searched his residence and seized his computer. The images and information found on the computer were highly disturbing. Kendrick had over 100 child pornography images and was maintaining an online relationship with a woman in Brazil who was discussing the transfer of her 7 year old daughter to the United States for sexual purposes over email. The correspondance between Kendrick and this woman was believed to have been going on for at least a few months. Kendrick was arranging for the woman's daughter to come live with him and serve as a sex slave. He even discussed killing the girl. When authorities became aware of these emails, they were unsure if the girl had already gotten into the United States and was in danger. Due to the serious nature of the emails, they scrambled to find Kendrick as soon as possible. Brazilian authorities were cooperating with US officials as well. On May 13, Kendrick was finally arrested in Davis, California which is just a short drive from Sacramento. What became of the young girl remains to be disclosed. Kendrick was also a designer for a website for the National Safe Child Coalition. He admitted to using the site to have access to children to continue to abuse them.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37091529/ns/local_news-sacramento_ca/from/ET

http://www.kcra.com/news/23542875/detail.html

Only Two Year Sentence for Sex With Student

Amy Beck was a teacher. She was also the wife of a police officer and mother of three. Now she will also be registered sex offender. Amy Beck admitted to having a six month affair with a fourteen year old former student. Authorities had no idea the affair had happened, but Beck went to police and told them everything. Her lawyer says she admitted to the affair because it was "the right thing to do". She was given just two years in prison, in which she will probably serve less than one, and three years of probation. Now, this seems like a slap on the wrist for having sex with a child. If she were a man, and the child were female, would it have gone differently? Was the fact that she was married to a police officer a factor? Or that she came forward with the information voluntarily and acted remorseful? It just makes one wonder why an adult who raped a child will serve less than a year behind bars. It would be interesting to hear what the young boys parents think about this, or the victim himself. Whether he was a willing participant was not disclosed, but it doesn't make the situation right regardless.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37022190/ns/us_news/

Gardner may have tried to assault others

John Albert Gardner III, who has plead guilty in the rape and murders of both Chelsea King and Amber Dubois may have attempted to assault others, including an eleven year old girl. Gardner was a registered sex offender before King and Dubois became his victims and served only 5 years, even though he was found to be violent and was recommended to serve his entire sentence. What will it take for the courts to put this man away-FOREVER? He would've never had the opportunity to kill Dubois or King, and now those families and communities suffer. Other women, who were in the same area as King are convinced that they encountered Gardner, as well as a little girl who was walking home from school. This is a predator, who was out looking for a victim, for his next conquest. Who is in charge of keeping track of these sex offenders, because it doesn't seem like anyone knows where they are, and what they are doing in their spare time. Chelsea King and Amber Dubois may still be alive today, if Gardner was serving the time he was sentenced to, or if a parole agent knew what he was up to.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36791230/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/

Fifteen Year Old Sells Herself, Seven Year Old Sister

By now, most of us have heard this story. In New Jersey, a fifteen year old girl not only slept with men for money, but then sold her little sister to others for sexual acts. The fifteen year old girl went to a party in a well known apartment complex and brought her seven year old sister along. The apartments where the crime took place are considered dangerous and police are hired as security. There were grown men as well as teenage boys involved in the assault which started out as touching and proceeded to a rape. The girl was eventually returned home and her sister is being held in a detention facility. The question is why? Is money really the only motivation this fifteen year old girl had in offering up herself, as well as her sister? How does someone allow these terrible things to happen to someone they love, someone who is as innocent and vulnerable as a seven year old? Is this girl pure evil, or was she threatened? What drives one to com mitt such a sick and twisted act of violence? All individuals at this party are responsible. Every single one who participated in the acts, or watched as they occurred. If you do nothing to stop the assault, you are just as guilty of destroying a life.

http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/world/new-jersey-teen-sold-7-year-old-sister-for-sex-party_100342354.html

Sex Offender Island

On Inside Edition last night, they reported on a place called McNeil Island, also known as Sex Offender Island, which is located in Washington state. The only way to get to this island, which is in fact filled with violent sexual predators, is by ferry. The island houses over 200 sex offenders who have already served their prison sentences, but have been deemed too dangerous to enter back into society. They are sent here indefinitely to live out their life. Only six people have ever been released. These individuals can take computer classes, and are offered therapy, though it is not mandatory. What is interesting, is that some of these individuals feel that they have served their time and that their rights are being violated by keeping them here. Some will say that they are "cured", but a minute later will not give a guarantee that they will not re offend. Do we feel that these predators can be cured? Given therapy and rehabilitation, can we trust these people back in our neighborhoods? Sex Offender Island does not have armed guards, but has razor wire fencing surrounding it. The cost to house these people is more than six figures, but our safety is worth that, right? Is this the solution, to house these predators far away from society where they cannot hurt anyone? And how do we know if therapy works?

http://www.insideedition.com/news/4260/sex-offender-island.aspx
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002463421_sexoffender01m.html

Young Deaf Boys Let Down by Church Leaders

Most of time, when you hear about a priest, or church official committing a sex crime, it stays silent for years, until an adult comes forward with the news. In this case, a young man repeatedly told others about the abuse he had been subjected to by a priest, only to have it ignored. Steven Geier, now 59 and living in Madison, WI tells of how as a teenager, and even later as an adult he told other priests of the abuse he had endured. Being deaf, Geier, along with others used sign language and gestures to report the abuse. Father Murphy could have hundreds of victims. Between 15 and 20 affidavits were collected, only to have the "higher ups" ignore the severity of what was going on and continue to pass it along to others. Neither the Archbishop or the district attorney were of any help. Father Murphy was thought to be "too valuable" and continued working with deaf children for the next 24 years.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36063186/ns/us_news-the_new_york_times/

Child Predator Laws Should be Funded and Enforced

Amber Dubois went missing over a year ago. The 14 year old was on her way to school when she disappeared. About a week after Chelsea King was killed, Amber's remains were found. The same man who has been charged in King's rape and murder is now a suspect in Amber's disappearance. Although John Albert Gardner III has not been charged yet, he is the only suspect authorities have named. During a memorial service in which Chelsea King's family participated, Maurice Dubois, Amber's father asked the audience to help protect our children. These young girls may still be alive today if we could enforce child predator laws. Earlier this week in the state of California, "Chelsea's Law" was to be introduced. It would call for GPS monitoring of all repeat sex offenders. Some argue this violates the rights of those who it will affect....well, the violated the rights of their victims and their families when they chose to committ a crime. Our right to feel safe in our own neighborhood has been violated too. Let's start listening to the victims and the family members who have lost their child to these predators. They are the ones fighting to keep the rest of us safe.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36070806/ns/us_news-life/

When does Alcala Pay For His Crimes?

Rodney James Alcala has a long history. In 1972, he was convicted of kidnapping, raping and beating a little girl, who was just eight years old. He served two years. In 1979, he was arrested for raping and beating a fifteen year old. He was found guilty last week on five counts of murder(four women and a girl). That eight year old and that 15 year old are now grown women. They, along with the murder victims family members are testifying against him in the penalty phase of his trial. Acting as his own lawyer, this sick monster gets to cross examine these women. He gets another chance to traumatize them! At 66 years old, he could be facing the death penalty. When will he finally serve his time? This is a man who has been CONVICTED. Let him rot in jail, or meet his fate while there. As much as the testimony of these women may help the sentencing, five counts of murder should be good enough to be put away. The last sentence of this story might make your skin crawl.

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-alcala3-2010mar03,0,1211732.story

Sexual Predator Linked to Chelsea King and Maybe Others

Chelsea King was found raped and murdered last week in southern California. A registered sex offender has been charged after DNA evidence linked him to the crime. John Albert Gardner III plead guilty in 2000 to molesting a thirteen year old girl. Prosecutors only recommended a six year term for that crime, but now he will face the death penalty if convicted. What is sad, is that this crime and so many others could have been prevented if we could find a way to keep these sex offenders off the streets. King's parents are already speaking about our current laws, and how there needs to be changes made so that these people do not have access to the children who end up as their victims. There has been talk that Gardner could be responsible for other attacks in the area, as well as the disappearance of another girl, Amber Dubois. Amber's remains were recently found, but officials are not saying if Gardner's arrest has anything to do with it. When can we stop worrying about our children walking to school, or going for a jog in a park? What measures do we need to take to protect them from these vile individuals that continue to prey on innocent people? Chelsea's parents might receive justice if Gardner is found guilty, but they how can they find peace, now that their daughter is dead?

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/03/chelsea-kings-parents-want-changes-in-sex-offender-laws.html

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/35705202/ns/today-today_people/

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/03/amber-dubois-remains-found-in-escondido.html

Delaware Doctor Videotaped Abuse

Dr. Earl Bradley may have up to 100 victims. While law enforcement reviews over thirteen hours of tape to identify his victims, some parents don't want to hear the outcome. Dr. Bradley created a child friendly environment at his pediatric office. Disney characters welcomed his young patients and toys covered the rooms. Dr. Bradley is said to have abused his victims while they were out of sight of their parents, or while conducting unnecessary exams on the children. Now facing almost 500 separate crimes,Bradley's offices are closed and parents are left wondering if their child or children were victims. Some feel that if their child hasn't been forthcoming with any abuse allegations, then they must be fine. If their child is "okay", then why would they want to find out that they had actually been violated? Others want to know what happened and if their children were victimized. Officials say it is best to identify the children and make sure they get counseling right away, noting that repressed memories may surface in years to come. Who makes that call? Do parents know their children best, and are they the most obvious choice to make these decisions? If they choose not to participate, and it turns out their child is a victim, did they, meaning law enforcement let the child down by not actively pursuing the allegations? Where does this responsibility lie? Wouldn't you want to know either way, so that you can do your best to help your child? Or, because you have guilt as a parent, or can't handle the "awkward" situation, do you go on like nothing has happened? Sexual violence is already so silent, if these parents choose to not participate with the case, let's hope they at least sit down and discuss it at length with their children. Let's hope they open up the dialogue that often gets skipped because parents don't want to discuss "these kind of things".

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35606897/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts//

Wyoming Woman Assaulted

A woman in Wyoming was raped in her own home and left bound in her living room. One of the men who is being charged with the crime claims to have been fulfilling a "rape fantasy" that the woman had. Ty Oliver McDowell admitted to going to her house and having sex with her, but says he thought that was what she wanted because of his email correspondence with her. Authorities say that McDowell was actually communicating with the woman's ex boyfriend who set up the assault. Days before the crime occurred, the victim had contacted authorities saying someone had posted an online ad with false information about her. Jebidiah James Stipe is the victims ex who is being charged with first-degree sexual assault for his role in this terrible crime. What about McDowell? He is being charged with with three counts of first-degree sexual assault, one count of kidnapping and one count of aggravated burglary. Now, sick as it may sound, what if McDowell is telling the truth? What if he did think he was talking directly to the woman via email and that they had discussed some kinky sexual fantasies? As wrong and uncomfortable as that may seem to some of us, there are a lot of fetishes and sexual encounters that we don't all agree with. If Stipe did pose as his ex girlfriend to put in her harms way, his intentions were nothing short of evil. McDowell could have gone into the situation truly feeling like he was a part of some twisted sex fantasy and nothing more. How do you proceed in a case like this? The evidence should allow us to see what really happened, and who is ultimately responsible. It may be proven that McDowell is a victim too. If he only thought it was a fantasy, when in fact it was a brutal attack, he may have issues to address with himself and what damage he caused the victim. The entire crime seems cruel and complicated. Were the two men working together on this? And what does the victim think? How can we prevent others from impersonating us on the Internet? In 2008, Craigslist agreed to tighten its adult services advertisements as part of an agreement with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. They now have different requirements and are working with numerous states to try and prevent some of these things from happening, or at least being able to track people who post the ads. This case shows us just how bad it can get and how horrible people can be to one another.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35272248/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/

Will Elizabeth Smart Ever Receive Justice?

Elizabeth Smart was abducted and raped repeatedly while being held against her will for nine months. That was in 2002. Wanda Barzee and her husband Brian David Mitchell have been sitting in jail for over eight years awaiting trial for the crimes. Today, prosecutors dropped charges against Barzee in exchange for a guilty plea in a the kidnapping attempt of Smarts cousin. Barzee did plead guilty last fall in kidnapping and charges related to Smart, and could face thirty years in prison. She will also have to cooperate with authorities on charges against her husband. In the past, she was found incompetent to stand trial, but now, under medication and treatment, she has been found to be competent. Mental illness plays a big part in this, but it is not an excuse to commit terrible crimes. The actions that her and other sexual predators and abusers take make you wonder how any of them could be in their right mind to do the deplorable things they do to their victims. Some say Barzee was also a victim of Mitchell's but then we hear from those who knew her. Some of her own children came forward this week to talk about the abuse they endured at the hands of their own mother. Barzee seems to have a long history of treating others poorly. Elizabeth Smart has also said that she believes Barzee, as well as Mitchell, knew exactly what they were doing and deserve to pay for their crimes to the fullest extent. Hopefully during her sentencing, the judge sees to it that she gets the maximum sentence. Also, by her cooperating with officials to help the case against her husband, it will hopefully help speed up his trial and put him in his place. Smart has been waiting far too long to see her captors drag the legal process out and spend more tax dollars. When does she get to see justice prevail? When does she get to put this behind her and move on?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35298679/ns/us_news/

Richmond Girl Recants Rape

As some of you may have heard, the young woman who told police that she had been held against her will and raped in Richmond, California has recanted her story. She has told police she had consensual sex and needed an excuse as to why she had been out that night. Police are still investigating what happened, and other reports have said that they are checking on the young girls mental state. The unfortunate thing is that this teenager felt the need to tell a very serious lie. Given that another girl was brutally gang raped just a few months back in the same city, and that story received national attention, it makes one wonder why she would make up a story like this. Now we ask, is there other issues she is dealing with, such as emotional or mental problems that need to be addressed? Was she just being a silly teenager, who was really just needing an excuse because she is underage and was out with a boyfriend? Is she trying to cover up a real rape because she has been threatened? Regardless of her reasons, it is good to hear that she wasn't assaulted, but lying about the circumstances is unfortunate. Some of the biggest obstacles rape victims face is having others, including law enforcement, believe their story. To have someone make up a story, most likely to stay out of trouble, just to lie about it, does not help this cause. It's something we've all heard over the years, something that PAVE and so many other organizations try to change...the misconceptions and prejudice...."What if she (or he) is lying?". Stories like this can put these very thoughts into the minds of the people we are trying to educate about sexual assault. The first thing we are supposed to remember is that we must always believe the victim. Without support from family, friends, law enforcement, and the rest of the public, victims of sexual violence will continue to hesitate to come forward. They need our strength, our support and our help. We cannot allow these stories of false reporting discourage those who have been violated.

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/east_bay&id=7224013

City of Richmond Has Another Gang Rape

In Richmond, California, a sixteen year old girl was gang raped after her high school homecoming dance a few months ago. The story gained a lot of attention because of the abundance of bystanders and participants. Police are still searching for suspects in that case. Now, a fifteen year old girl has endured a similar fate. She was forced into a vehicle Friday evening by four young men who drove around before two of them raped her. She was found by police later that evening. Going to a high school dance, or just casually walking down the street should not be dangerous activities for young girls! For one person to assault another is bad enough, but to have others willingly particpate or to stand by and watch? Are they too afraid to help, or that cruel to not care? What kind of group mentality is going on here?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34882680/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/

Rapist Does Not Get New Trial

Paul Shanley is an ex priest who was convicted of child rape wanted a new trial because of "junk science". He thinks the "junk science", which was testimony given by his victim about his repressed memories should not have been allowed during his trial. The victim was only six years old when the abuse began and it lasted until he was twelve. Anyone who is assaulted is probably going to push some details out of their mind as a defense mechanism. A six year old who is being abused repeatedly by a trusted adult is probably scared and confused. He didn't come forward for twenty years? So what? Why shouldn't he be allowed to talk about his memories at the trial? That's the one thing he has to fight the man who raped him, betrayed him and used his power against him. There were reports of abuse by this man in 1967 and the church did nothing about it then, thank goodness this victim finally did.


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34882680/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/