Massachusetts residents who have been following the sexual assault allegations involving Bill Cosby may be interested to learn about a lawsuit that was recently filed against the actor. On Dec. 2, a woman who claims she was sexually assaulted by the comedian in 1974 filed a lawsuit against him in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Safety is a prime concern for most individuals and homes are considered to be the safest of all places. Schools and places of worship are also believed to be safe. However, there have been many instances where these safe havens turn out to be places of abuse. It is unfortunate, but reports of sexual abuse by family members, priests and teachers are heard nearly every day.
It is natural for parents to assume that the people to whom they entrust their children, in schools and public institutions, do not pose a threat to their young ones. The notion that children, whether in Barnstable, Massachusetts or elsewhere, could be subject to physical or sexual abuse at the hands of a teacher or mentor is horrifying. Such incidents can cause emotional trauma to both children and parents, with the latter left wondering whom to trust. Sadly, since children are more easily frightened, many cases involving sexual abuse of minors do not get reported.
In most communities, whether in Barnstable, Massachusetts or elsewhere, an attempt to violate another person sexually is seen as a shocking offense. This perception has as much to do with a personal sense of propriety and decency as with being outraged at the vulgarity of the incident. In the eyes of the law, such nonconsensual acts are crimes whose punishment can involve a significant prison sentence. Victims of sexual assault can also find sanctuary under the law, with assistance available in many forms, such as a Special Victims Unit, to help them overcome the emotional trauma of the abuse they have suffered.
Sexual assault against or sexual abuse of a person who has not given consent are considered serious crimes all across the country, including in Massachusetts. In many cases, victims may also be able to seek civil remedies in addition to any criminal proceedings.
Massachusetts residents understand that sexual abuse or assault can leave long-term and often indelible impacts on victims. Tremendous emotional trauma can affect someone’s ability to form trusting relationships and even lead to suicide in some cases. The impact is more devastating if the victim of the sexual assault is a minor.
Sexual abuse is a serious topic that is difficult to think about. This is especially true when the victim of sexual abuse is a minor. However, it is important that these issues come to light, not only to aid in the victim’s recovery process but also to prevent further instances of abuse.
There are a number of individuals in Massachusetts that would like to see the laws changed concerning the time that victims of childhood sexual abuse have to file lawsuits. There are also those advocating this legislation that would like to see the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston support the proposed law as well.
After the clergy sexual abuse scandal first received notice in Boston back in 2002, a list was apparently created that provided a statistical summary of clergy abuse that allegedly had taken place across the country. The list was commissioned by U.S. bishops and put together by the John Jay College of Law. The list was to provide the names of the priests, the year of their birth, year of the priest’s ordination, the parishes that they served, and their current ministerial status and residence.
A 29-year-old man has been formally charged after an accusation of sexual assault. He has been confronted with seven counts of sexual abuse in Massachusetts. He is faced with up to 20 years in prison for each count he has been charged with.
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