The state Capitol in Sacramento, late in the day. (Photo: Adonis Villanueva, via Shutterstock)A bipartisan group of state legislators are urging increased funding for California’s 84 rape crisis centers as reports of sexual assault and domestic violence rise under COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders.
California’s 84 rape crisis centers are in a funding crisis. While California has experienced a steady rise in the number of reported rapes (over 5% per year since 2015), the state’s annual General Fund contribution to rape crisis centers over the past decade has been a miniscule $45,000.
An entrance to the University of Southern California. (Photo: Ganna Tokolova, via Shutterstock)OPINION: I will forever remember the day I arrived at the University of Southern California. Walking on campus, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride being a part of the Trojan family. Sadly, the university that promised me an unparalleled education, infinite networking opportunities, and support outside of the classroom ultimately betrayed me and thousands of other women over the span of nearly thirty years.
Illustration of a book of the statute of limitations on a courtroom desk. (Image: designer491, via Shutterstock)OPINION: Over the last couple of years, our society has finally started taking instances of sexual abuse seriously. The most shocking and attention grabbing cases are of course assaults against children. State legislatures have begun to examine what can be done to help victims of sexual abuse and assault of minors.
State Sen. Connie Leyva, D-Chino, on the Senate floor. (Photo: Screen capture, YouTube)Chantal Cousineau said the disclosures started like a whisper. Over the years, she had discussed her experience working with James Toback on the film “Harvard Man” in 2000. But this fall, after allegations about producer Harvey Weinstein emerged, Cousineau sent a tweet: “Can we talk about #JamesToback next?”
Emergency workers at a Malibu auto accident on Pacific Coast Highway. (Photo: EGD, via Shutterstock)OPINION:Providers of emergency medical services across the state are opposing AB 263 authored by Assembly Member Freddie Rodriguez. Under the pretense of an “Emergency Worker Bill of Rights,” AB 263 is nothing short of a wolf in sheep’s clothing.