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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance

@vsdvaa.bsky.social
300 followers 250 following 117 posts

Virginia's leading voice on sexual and intimate partner violence.

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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
July is #DisabilityPrideMonth —a time to honor disabled joy and community, and to confront hard truths. Disabled people face some of the highest rates of sexual & domestic violence—and huge barriers to safety. Need support? Call: 800-838-8238 Text: 804-793-9999 Chat: vadata.org/chat Open 24/7/365
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 14/07/2025
When summer hits, teens spend more time online—and that can open the door to digital dating abuse, coercion, and control. From nonconsensual image sharing to tracking through apps and devices, the risks are real—and rising. Our Hotline and Love is Respect are resources you can use if you need help.
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
In Q1 2025, thousands of survivors in VA reached out for help—and many were met with full shelters and stretched-thin services. The numbers tell a hard truth: violence is rising, and systems can’t keep up. Read. Share. Act. Survivors deserve more: bit.ly/3TSTb4B
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 04/07/2025
This July 4th, remember: freedom isn’t real without safety, autonomy, and justice for all. Thousands of survivors in VA are still fighting for freedom from violence. Let’s build a Commonwealth where no one is left behind. Need support? Call 1-800-838-8238 | Text 804-793-9999 | Chat: vadata.org/chat
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
Rural hospitals are lifelines for survivors. But proposed Medicaid cuts in the “One Big Beautiful Bill” could close 6 VA hospitals—taking emergency care, forensic exams & trauma support with them. Speak up. Share. Call your reps: bit.ly/3I6Rj5P
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 30/06/2025
Our 2024 Annual Report is here! It highlights survivor-led advocacy, community support, and systems change across VA. See what we’ve built together: equity, safety, healing. Read now: bit.ly/45tftRE
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
Policy Director, Sanu Dieng-Cooper, spent #AdvocacyDays on the Hill urging @bobbyscott.house.gov, @mcclellan.house.gov, Rep. Rob Wittman, @kaine.senate.gov, and @markwarner.bsky.social to support survivors. Grateful for meaningful convos. The need is urgent—survivors can’t wait. Neither can we.
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
We're in DC for #AdvocacyDays with @nnedv.bsky.social, NAESV, & others from the movement to fight for survivors. #VOCA funds over 6,000 programs & 6M+ survivors yearly—but it's at risk. Congress must: ✅ Increase VOCA in FY26 ✅ Protect tribal set-aside ✅ Use funds as intended #SupportSurvivors #VOCA
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
DV & SV increase in summer due to heat, stress, alcohol, and idle time. You're not alone. Advocates at the Virginia Statewide Hotline are ready to listen and support you 24/7/365 or anyone you know that need help: 📞 800-838-8238 📱 Text: 804-793-9999 💬 Chat: vadata.org/chat/.
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
And this is why we have joined with 16 other state coalitions in a federal lawsuit challenging dangerous new restrictions on grants from the DOJ's OVW. We’re taking a stand to defend funding, uphold equity, and ensure every survivor has the fundamental right to access safety, healing, and justice.
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
We have joined 17 state coalitions in suing the DOJ over new OVW grant rules that threaten survivor services. The admin’s anti-immigrant, anti-trans, anti-equity agenda is not just harmful: it’s unlawful. Full statement: bit.ly/4l6luYX National release: bit.ly/44gD9aF Legal filing: bit.ly/3FPJmkL
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
The “One Big Beautiful Bill” is anything but: IT'S UGLY. It guts housing aid survivors need to escape abuse. Without shelters & rental help, many face unsafe choices. Housing is survival. Call your senators—urge them to oppose the bill. #StopTheBill #SupportSurvivors #HousingIsSafety
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
Survivors deserve safety—no matter their immigration status. But fear of ICE near shelters & courts keeps many silent or at risk. Some face deportation for seeking help. We need policies that protect, not punish. #EndSurvivorSilence #ProtectNotPunish
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
Data shows that 93% of survivors accessing services in Virginia received help with healthcare coverage or costs. Medicaid cuts would rip away this vital support. Stripping Medicaid means fewer survivors get the life-saving care they need to recover and rebuild. Read more here: bit.ly/43snLGF
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HEALTHCARE IS A HUMAN RIGHT – Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
Survivors deserve resources, especially housing when they're fleeing an abuser. There's a deep connection between IPV and homelessness; it is not uncommon for survivors to choose a car or a public space over their home as the safest option in which to reside. www.vpm.org/news/2025-05...
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Murders highlight Chesterfield's need for intimate partner violence shelter
Almost 40% of the county’s 2024 homicides were from instances of IPV.
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
Congress wants to cut $290B from SNAP, a lifeline for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. These cuts would eliminate benefits for millions, including survivors and children rebuilding after trauma. Survivors need support. Contact your Congressional legislators now and tell them to #SaveSNAP
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
For #AAPIHeritageMonth, we name barriers survivors face: stigma, language access, immigration fears, and distrust of systems. AAPI communities build solutions—advocacy, healing, multilingual services, survivor-led justice. We honor survivors by fighting for systems that see and hear them.
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
Indigenous women face disproportionately high rates of sexual and domestic violence. In Virginia and across the U.S., many go missing or are murdered without answers or justice. We honor their lives and call for change, awareness, and protection. #MMIWG #NoMoreStolenSisters
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
SDV advocates' constant exposure to trauma, long hours, and emotional labor can lead to burnout. Without care, it can mirror PTSD symptoms: nightmares, anxiety, and emotional numbness. A well-supported advocate can offer safer spaces, deeper empathy, and better boundaries.
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
May 1-7 marks SCAN's Resilience Week in Virginia. This year spotlights the 6 principles of trauma-informed care which are vital in supporting survivors of sexual and domestic violence, fostering healing and empowerment. ​#ResilienceWeekinVirginia
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
In 1998, the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction, ruling that the victim must have helped remove her tight jeans, implying consent. Outraged, women in the Italian Parliament wore denim in protest. In 1999, Peace Over Violence launched Denim Day to raise awareness about victim-blaming.
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
Research shows that sexual abuse survivors are 10X more likely to attempt suicide. 30%-50% of child sexual abuse survivors attempted suicide at least once in their life. 94% of survivors feel more hopeful about their lives when they connected with an advocate. bit.ly/3ErAhhq
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Virginia Giuffre, one of Jeffrey Epstein's most prominent abuse survivors, dies by suicide
Other Epstein victims credited Giuffre with giving them the courage to speak out.
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
The DOJ terminated 360+ federal grants, cutting off hundreds of millions of dollars that help survivors get the justice, safety, and healing they deserve. These cuts came as we learned the proposed FY26 budget for HHS includes $69M in cuts to RPE and DELTA. Contact your reps today: bit.ly/4cQegFx
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
Adult survivors of DV comprised at least 53% of those seeking emergency shelter, 62% of those seeking rapid re-housing services, and 66% of those receiving homelessness prevention services in 2023. Emergency Housing Vouchers funds 800 vouchers each year in Virginia. @apnews.com bit.ly/4iCPHxm
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60,000 Americans to lose their rental assistance and risk eviction unless Congress acts
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development says that rental assistance for some 60,000 Americans fleeing homelessness or domestic violence will run out of money by the end of next year.
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
Environmental harm and domestic & sexual violence are deeply connected. Extreme weather, displacement, and resource scarcity make people more vulnerable to domestic & sexual violence. Let’s stand together for a world where people and the planet can heal and thrive. #EarthDay
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
We're thrilled to announce our Spring Training Retreat keynote speakers: Alexis Flanagan and Caitlin Bradley! Together, they'll bring heart, healing, and bold purpose to our retreat space. You won't want to miss it. Register today to join us May 20-22 in Natural Bridge: bit.ly/4iVWtip
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
1 in 9 girls. 1 in 20 boys. Before they even turn 18. These are not just numbers, they're children. Survivors. Voices that deserve to be heard, protected, and believed. Let’s create a world where every child grows up safe, supported, and free from abuse. #SAAM #CAPMonth
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
This #NationalPetDay, we celebrate the furry, feathered, and scaly companions who bring comfort, joy, and a whole lot of tail wags to our lives—especially our incredible staff pets! 💛 From midday snuggles to post-work walkies, these animals are family, co-workers, and daily sources of happiness.
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
Many survivors don't know where to turn when they need help. That’s where libraries step in. For many survivors, libraries are lifelines. In fact, 77% of libraries partner with social service providers, including DV shelters and crisis hotlines to help survivors. #NationalLibraryWeek bit.ly/4cqMSxO
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Libraries are under siege: How Trump's cuts put community hubs in peril
Librarians, states say cuts will decimate local libraries. Feds say they will eliminate bloat and 'better showcase American exceptionalism.'
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
There’s a harmful myth that immigrants are the main perpetrators of sexual violence in America. The truth? Research consistently shows that immigrants—both documented and undocumented—are less likely to commit sexual offenses than U.S.-born citizens. Let’s focus on facts, not fear.
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
Using the right terms isn’t just about accuracy, it’s about respect, validation, and accountability. When we use precise, survivor-centered language, we help create a culture where people feel heard, justice is more attainable, and myths about assault are dismantled.
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
Homicide is a leading cause of death for pregnant women in the U.S.—often at the hands of intimate partners. Despite this, the NIH defunded a major research project studying domestic violence and maternal mortality. Data drives policy. Without it, lives are at risk.
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
Vital public health programs are being dismantled and decades of antiviolence advocacy are under threat. We are called to respond—not with despair, but with courage and clarity. This reflection from VSDVAA ED Kristi VanAudenhove offers a guide for advocates, survivors, and allies: bit.ly/3FUHXcl
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
This week’s HHS RIFs will have a devastating impact on survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Critical staff and services are being eliminated. Agencies won't be able to provide services survivors need. Survivors deserve safety and support — not abandonment. Join us and stand up for survivors!
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
April is #ChildAbusePreventionMonth, and protecting children starts with awareness, action, and advocacy. Every year, too many kids suffer in silence due to neglect, abuse, and violence. Let’s work together to break the cycle and give every child the safe, loving environment they deserve. 💙
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
Advocates across VA are proud to wear teal today in honor of #TealTuesday and the start of #SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth! Together, we stand in support of survivors and commit to raising awareness. Join us by wearing teal, starting conversations, and showing your support. #SAAM #BelieveSurvivors
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
#TransgenderDayofVisibility is a day to celebrate trans and nonbinary people. Visibility is powerful, but it comes with risks. Over 50% of trans individuals experience sexual violence. Nearly 25% face IPV. Trans women of color, especially Black trans women, are disproportionately affected.
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
By rejecting these bills, the Governor has chosen politics over protection, leaving survivors vulnerable to further harm. We will not stop advocating until every survivor has the safety and justice they deserve. bit.ly/4279kaA
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Northern Virginia legislators decry Youngkin’s veto on bill limiting firearm transfers from domestic abusers | ALXnow
Northern Virginia legislators are decrying Gov. Glenn Youngkin's recent veto of a bill to keep firearms from the homes of domestic abusers. Youngkin vetoed 157 bills on Monday (March 24), including Se...
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
#EqualPayDay is about power, independence, and safety. For survivors, financial security can mean the difference between staying in an unsafe situation and building a new life. Yet, the gender pay gap—especially for women of color—makes it even harder for survivors to regain stability and freedom.
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
April is both #SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth and #ChildAbusePreventionMonth. Join us throughout April as we stand with survivors by dressing in teal, blue, and denim. Strengthen your impact by becoming an Action Alliance member and/or donor. Join here: bit.ly/3g3SNxf Donate here: bit.ly/3tf17Ao
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
Racial inequality fuels violence and limits access to safety. Women and marginalized communities of color face higher rates of abuse yet often struggle to access justice, support services, and protection due to systemic racism and bias. #InternationalDayForTheEliminationOfRacialDiscrimination
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
The DOJ's decision to drop its lawsuit against Southwest Key Programs—despite myriad allegations of child sexual assault—is callous, wrong, and a profound affront to survivors and the justice they need and deserve. Migrant children deserve protection, not neglect. Justice should not be optional.
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
Last year, more than 50K women vets enrolled in VA health care marking the largest enrollment year ever for women vets. Virginia was among the top states to experience this hike. They fought for us. We must fight for them. Tell lawmakers: Stop the cuts to the VA! #VirginiaWomensVeteransWeek
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
Check out the op-ed in @richmond.com by @kellyewroskam.bsky.social and Lori Hass from @jhucgvs.bsky.social highlighting the benefits of HB 1960 and HB 1869, which address dangerous gun control loopholes domestic abusers can exploit and encouraging #GovYoungkin not to veto them: bit.ly/42c0uJG
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Commentary: Violent domestic abusers don't deserve gun rights
The prevalence and accessibility of firearms profoundly intensifies dangers for victims of domestic violence.
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
Economic justice and BIPOC leadership go hand in hand because when communities of color have a seat at the table, we create policies that uplift everyone. Read more about the economic justice work our BIPOC Economic Justice Leadership Cohort is doing: bit.ly/3FFNOSq #EconomicJustice #BIPOCLeadership
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Safe housing is a basic human right, yet many survivors of domestic violence face barriers to finding a safe place to call home. To wit, domestic violence is often the immediate cause of homelessness. Our government must protect survivors instead of endangering them further with callous policies.
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 08/03/2025
This #InternationalWomen’sDay, we honor the strength of survivors who are more than their trauma. They are powerful and deserving of safety and support. ✨ When we believe survivors, we empower them. ✨ When we build safe spaces, we create healing. ✨ When we stand together, we create real change.
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
There’s a harmful myth that immigrants are the main perpetrators of sexual violence. But research consistently shows that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes and more likely to be a victim of sexual violence. Spreading false claims distracts from real solutions to combat sexual violence.
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 02/03/2025
#Women’sHistoryMonth is a time to honor women's achievements and spotlight challenges that persist: 1 in 4 women experience IPV in their lifetime. This statistic is a call to action. The Statewide Hotline is ready to help 24/7/365. Call: 800-838-8238;Text: 804-793-9999; Chat: www.vadata.org/chat/
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Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance @vsdvaa.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
TW: SA. The federal courts should be a place of justice—not fear. It's time to dismantle the systems of power and control that allow misconduct to thrive in silence. No one—judges, clerks, or staff—should fear retaliation for speaking up. #JudicialAccountability #SafeWorkplaces bit.ly/4ineaqH
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In the federal court system, law clerks find little recourse for bullying and abuse
An NPR investigation finds federal judges have enormous influence with few checks on their power. Law clerks and other judicial employees are vulnerable to mistreatment and have few job protections.
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