What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual Assault is any unwanted sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the victim. That unwanted behavior can range from fondling and groping to even more severe crimes such as rape and attempted rape. Sexual assault is considered one of the most serious criminal offenses, with severe legal consequences as a result.
Lack of consent is the key aspect of sexual assault. While there is a wide range of acts that fall under the spectrum of sexual assault, a person being groped inappropriately in passing at a party is just as valid of an instance of sexual assault as a person being incapacitated and raped, and those who have either act committed against them are rightfully both considered to be victims.
The violation of bodily autonomy and the grave impacts that sexual assault has are what makes it one of the most unacceptable acts in the eyes of society. Victims are often left completely traumatized from instances of sexual assault, and deal with severe long-term physical and mental health issues. Sexual assault is a criminal act that results in perpetrators facing long prison sentences and being forced to register as sex offenders. However, it is often difficult to fully prove instances of sexual assault in court, and many cases go unpunished or unnoticed.
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Attorney Julia Munley recognizes National Child Abuse Prevention Month as a time for action
Munley believes we must shine a light on child abuse in order to prevent it
Munley believes we must shine a light on child abuse in order to prevent itThe problem of child sexual abuse in this country and throughout Pennsylvania continues at an alarming rate. It can be difficult to acknowledge that sexual abuse of children of all ages, including infants, happens every day. This horrifying topic was brought to the national spotlight when Jerry Sandusky was found guilty of 45 counts of sexually abusing 10 boys, using his position in a prestigious football program to gain access to youth. This past week, Pennsylvania’s top court rejected a bid by this former Penn State football coach to appeal his 2012 conviction of charges of sexually abusing children.
Last week alone in Northeast Pennsylvania, we saw news reported of a trusted pastor at a Scranton cathedral being removed from his position and charged with indecent assault and corruption of minors. […]
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Silent demon too often preys in Pennsylvania
As seen in the Scranton Times.
By Julia Munley
Sadly, allegations of child sexual abuse happen every day and have become something we read about almost daily in our local and national news; it is everywhere, from our churches to our schools and even in our own homes.
Last weekend, this issue was front and center with the Woody Allen/Dylan Farrow abuse story resurfacing 21 years after Farrow’s initial claims of abuse. One of the most shocking things about this story is that the alleged victim has been criticized and belittled by Allen’s PR machine, chiefly by his lawyer, Elkan Abramowitz.
While everyone deserves a defense and the presumption of innocence, including Allen, these attempts to isolate, demonize and subdue claims of child abuse should be excoriated. These very public intimidation tactics will undoubtedly impact other victims and lead to more unreported and untreated child sexual abuse and allow offenders to abuse others. […]
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