help fighting the sexual abuse of children
As some of you know, I helped the victim of child abuse win a pretty big victory in the New Jersey Supreme Court establishing clearly the right of victims to hold institutions responsible for abuse. As some of that some of you know, that led to the revelation that I too had been abused at the same school. (See also "Living with Ghosts").
Both somes mean I now get email from victims of sex abuse all the time, asking for help in finding a lawyer. I have done what I can, but I don't begin to have the right resources to identify good lawyers or other professionals to help these victims.
I realize, loyal blog reader, that this is beyond your usual scope. But if you could spread the word to others you might know, I'd be grateful. At this moment, I'm looking for someone good in Missouri. But again, I'd like to build a database with good recommendations beyond that. I'm not looking for a lawyer referral services, of which there are many, and many of which are very well run. I'm looking for one step beyond that -- people who have experience in this field who have actually worked with others whose work they respect highly.
Please send any recommendations to advice4victims@pobox.com. Thanks.
| Permalink | technorati
Comments (12)
With all due respect, when is the mighty intellect and powerful eloquence of Lawrence Lessig going to get coupled to a program of effective change? In the last few months, we have seen a grand declaration of a decade-long war on corruption, a spasmodic and aborted attempt at a congressional campaign, continuing attention to CC issues, and compassionate peripheral involvement in child abuse issues.
Hundreds of very capable people are waiting to follow Professor Lessig in a campaign aimed at significant, observable reform. A key principle of business is knowing what business you are in. It is time for LL to make some choices and identify the issue(s) on which he must concentrate his and our efforts if he is to make an historic contribution.
I make these criticisms with a deep admiration for LL's work and great optimism regarding his potential. If America is to recover the spirit of the founders, men like LL will lead that renaissance. At this point, it is more important for LL to commit to lead any concerted, concentrated, progressive effort than to continue circling targets of opportunity in gadfly fashion.
Please keep up the good fight. I will keep my eyes and ears open and spread the word for you.
@HH,
With all due respect, what does your question have to do with the content of this post? Did you even read the post before writing your follow-up?
respect !
I just read your story. I am so impressed by your courage and I am so sorry for what happened to you.
Sexual abuse is an epidemic and everyone closes their eyes. And when it comes to boys, even more so.
Perhaps this woman could help you :
http://www.angelashelton.com
She has an amazing story and is doing good work. We are doing a campaign called the joy campaign which you can read about on her site.
May you find peace.
Go campaign :)
Larry,
I've spread the word around friends in the US.
Please, when starting Change Congress (is it by accident that it has the CC for Creative Commons in the title?), make sure your manifesto is well done and written. Don't hurry, as Mr./Ms. HH advises you above.
If I like your ideas, I will join your efforts, so don't disappoint me!
It is good to help others, Is there any database with can find other lawyer? maybe you can start up the project.
I agree, keep up the fight. You're doing an amazing job for your community and beyond. Thank you.
I'm the founder of The Lamplighters, a movement for survivors of child sexual abuse, incest, sexual assault, rape and domestic violence. We currently have 33 chapters in 22 states, a chapter in Tokyo, Japan, two in Ontario, Canada and one in Plymouth, England. We need an army. Our website is at www.thelamplighters.org. I too am a survivor. My father raped me when I was 13 and all 3 of my daughters are survivors as well; the two older girls were sexually molested by my 2nd husband (and when confronted, 6 weeks before he died, he admitted to it but said it was their fault - they were 4 and 5 years old) my youngest daughter was raped at gunpoint when she was 17. This problem is not only epidemic it is multi-generational. Children of an untreated incest victim stand a 5 times greater chance of being a victim themselves. Please spread the word about The Lamplighters. If you or anyone you know could start a chapter (it's free, it's easy and it could change your life) please have them email me at margie@thelamplighters.org.
I love what you are seeking for. I, myself, am planning quite a few things to influence lawmakers. It is unfortunate that the law goes much too easy on statutory rape, with or without the child's consent. Thankfully, my book plowed the way before me. So, I'm going to follow it wherever it may go. If you know of any great attorneys, activists, etc in the states of AR and LA, please let me know.
If I find anyone as you described, then I'll let you know. Deal?
I love what you are seeking for. I, myself, am planning quite a few things to influence lawmakers. It is unfortunate that the law goes much too easy on statutory rape, with or without the child's consent. Thankfully, my book plowed the way before me. So, I'm going to follow it wherever it may go. If you know of any great attorneys, activists, etc in the states of AR and LA, please let me know.
If I find anyone as you described, then I'll let you know. Deal?