America's Most Wanted Website Features P.A.V.E.

On the Safety Center section on the America's Most Wanted website, Angela Rose gives information regarding assault victims being revictimized by law enforcement. Check out the link below to learn more about this and watch the video.
Check this out, just launched from America's Most Wanted site - GO PAVE! http://safety. amw.com/communit y/victim- empowerment-through-education

Article in The Patriot Ledger by Wendy Murphy

Wendy Murphy is a well respected leading victims rights advocate. Here, she gives her take on the issue of "Rape By Fraud".
http://www.patriotledger.com/opinions/x296401291

Level 3 Sex Offender has Probation Revoked

In New Bedford, Mass. a 26 year old man was already on probation for attempted rape when he assaulted a 6 year old boy. The child describes the incident that took place on January 30th. This man could be out walking the streets once again after serving just a couple of years. Repeat sex offenders should be monitored for life if they aren't going to spend it in jail.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24035384/from/ET/

Teacher Student Sexual Relationship Leads to Resignation

In Austin, Texas, a 27 year old teacher was having a sexual relationship with one of his students. Ranulfo Arias was placed on administrative leave while the investigation was under way. There are so many cases of this happening. Schools are supposed to be a "safe" place for children. They are supposed to be a structured learning environment where we trust that our children are in good hands. What is most interesting to me is that when it is a female teacher and male student, the punishment is less severe. Why is it any different? Either way, it is a crime, a violation of trust and inapporpriate behavior.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24035384/from/ET/

Man Receives Two Life Sentences for Rape of Half Sister

In Austin, Texas, James Ray Ross was given two life sentences for sexual assault of a child and sexual assault. He raped his half sister when she was fifteen years old. The victim finally came forward because she wanted to protect her younger sister from this monster. Thankfully, justice was served. This young lady will be affected for the rest of her life, so a life sentence only seems fair. Read more about this case at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24033636/from/ET/

Revictimization Caught on Tape

Although you will often here that criminal justice professions have received many hours of sensitivity training, many stereotypes and unscrupulous tactics seem to still be employed towards victims of sensitive crimes (aka sexual or domestic violence). Every so often in the news a victim is disbelieved and revictimized in the system meant to provide justice for them and society against violent criminals.

This story broke recently of a 13 year old girl who had been abducted and sexually assaulted, and then interrogated by a detective who made it more than clear he did not believe this young lady's story. The harsh interrogation (rather than a sensitive, victim-friendly questioning) is shown on tape at the following news link:

http://wcco.com/local/iteam.i.team.2.366870.html
(I-TEAM: DNA, Charges Mean Vindication For Victim)

How is it possible that such individuals are detectives on sensitive crime units? When victims are treated in this matter after surviving one of the most horrendous crimes, they should be given the most highly qualified, trained, and understanding professionals of the criminal justice system to assure they are not revictimized or intimidated. Can you imagine your daughter suffering this treatment??

Victim's Rights Rally

Over 30 courthouses found themselves the location for a Victim's Rights Rally on February 19, 2008 organized by PAVE (Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment). This date was suppose to be the third trial in the sexual assault case of Tory Bowen, and outspoken victim who protested a judge's ruling that she could not use the word 'sexual assault' or 'rape' to describe the alleged assault she endured Oct 31, 2004.

Check out the footage of the Chicago Rally led by Angela Rose on youtube.com:

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=X6orvfYNhsc

Although many states have statutes that protect certain rights for victims of crimes, many victims find themselves re-victimized by the criminal justice system. No where is this more evident than for crimes of sexual and domestic violence. Often victims of such crimes are female and are blamed for the violence done against them. The Victim's Rights Rally this last Tuesday is necessary to show that silence will not be the response to sexually violent crimes.

Awareness and activism however will not end here! April 29th, 2008 is Angela Shelton Day, a day PAVE and many other organization will be banning together with Angela Shelton to launch a Report It Now! Campaign. Sexual violence is often a silent crime since many offenders are often known to the victim and because of fear by victims that reporting the crime will lead to further victimization. Since April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, this campaign is more than fitting to give a voice to victims and survivors around this country. Those who want to end sexual assault will be launching a campaign that encourages and supports victims and survivors to shatter the silence of sexual violence! Only through shattering this silence can victims receive more recognition and rights in court, and ultimately have a better chance at receiving justice for the crimes done to them. To be involved or find out more information, please e-mail info@pavingtheway.net.

For further coverage of the Victim's Rights Rally feel free to view the following websites:
http://www.pioneerlocal.com/schaumburg/news/793284,sc-prerightsrally-021408-s1.article
http://media.www.dailynebraskan.com/media/storage/paper857/news/2008/02/20/News/Rallies.Support.Victims.Rights.In.Rape.Sexual.Assault.Trials-3220677.shtml