domestic violence: Woman with red hair, glasses, necklace is seen both next to and reflected in mirror at right

Only One Alabama Program Works on Domestic Violence Plus Firearms

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When Susan Shipman took a job as a bookkeeper at a women’s shelter in Anniston in 2003, she didn’t realize how close to her own home violence already was.

“I signed up for a flexible, part-time job,” Shipman, 57, said. “And I found myself in the movement to end violence against women.” 

By 2006, Shipman was the executive director of 2nd Chance Inc., a nonprofit safety and support organization for victims of domestic and sexual violence serving nearly 500 women and children annually in North Alabama.

abuse: domestic violence, abuse and people concept — man beating helpless scared girl

Does Abuse Lead to Incarceration For Girls? Usually Yes

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Recently a trial judge in Washington state’s King County Superior Court discussed his three years presiding in juvenile court. Roger Rogoff described this time a…

guilt: Translucent ghostly hands beating man. Concept of psychological self-flagellation, self-punishment, self-abasement, self-harm guilt feeling.

Guilt, Self-hate and Forgiveness

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People find it difficult to admit fault. We would rather receive an apology than apologize for our own wrongdoings. It is a position of power: having the ability to forgive someone or not, rather than being at the mercy of another, in a vulnerable position.  

Book review: Troubled teenage girl behind bars

A Compassionate Tribute to Incarcerated Children That Exposes Their Trauma, Anger

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Jane Guttman’s “Kids in Jail: A Portrait of Life Without Mercy” gives poetic voice to children who are trapped in the catacombs of society with little hope of resurrection. It is a gut-wrenching, graceful and dignified look at lives that are painfully scarred by conditions and circumstances that were preordained out of neglect, abuse, poverty, chance or a combination of all these elements.

We Must Decriminalize Trauma for Girls with Histories of Abuse or Neglect

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Girls’ involvement in the juvenile justice system is growing disproportionately at a time when arrest rates for boys are declining. And yet, girls’ behavior has not changed; rather, our response to their behavior has changed. This is especially true for girls in the child welfare system.

Sexually Exploited Girls in Need of Services, Not Handcuffs

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For as long as anyone can remember, children bought and sold for sex in the United States have been ignored or worse — they have been arrested, incarcerated and released right back onto the streets.