Blog: Sexual Abuse

It’s Time for the Troubled Teen Industry to Face Reality

Nov 20, 2024

Paris Hilton's Testimony: A Catalyst for Change When most people think of Paris Hilton, they picture the glamorous socialite of The Simple Life. But Hilton’s teenage years were anything but glamorous. She has bravely come forward as a survivor of abuse in the troubled teen industry, shedding light on a dark reality that has been overlooked for far too long. Her courage is a wake-up call, demanding that we confront the systemic failures that have allowed...

Litigating Prison Abuse: Addressing Assault Cases Behind Bars

Nov 12, 2024

The Reality of Prison Abuse Beyond Inmate Violence While prisons are commonly portrayed in the mainstream media and Hollywood as hotspots for inmate-on-inmate sexual and physical abuse, prison staff are also responsible for abusing inmates. A December 2022 bipartisan U.S. Senate report documented the sexual abuse of female inmates in federal prisons and the disproportionate number of sexual assaults female inmates face in comparison to their male counterparts. The report found that female inmates were abused in...

Violence Against Women Act -- We Have More Work to Do

Oct 30, 2024

At Anapol Weiss, a female majority-owned firm, we are dedicated to standing up for women who have suffered violent sexual abuse, particularly within the confines of their own homes. Our commitment goes beyond mere advocacy; we seek justice, protection, and lasting change for these survivors. This year marks a significant milestone with the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), enacted in 1994 with bipartisan support as part of the Violent Crime Control...

Look-Back Windows for Sexual Abuse Cases

Jun 14, 2024

Look-back window momentum is expected to spur further change in Pennsylvania for child and adult sexual victims whose claims are presently time-barred. In recent months, the headlines have been filled with jaw-dropping accounts of the sexual assault and trafficking lawsuits brought against music mogul and rapper Sean “P Diddy” Combs. There are five different lawsuits pending against him brought by women and one man in the state of New York stemming from alleged acts of abuse...

Sexual Assault Includes Invasive Bodily Exams Performed Without Consent

Jun 10, 2024

Last month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued new guidance requiring hospitals to secure written, informed consent for sensitive bodily examinations performed under anesthesia. These include pelvic exams, breast exams, prostate exams, and rectal exams. Until recently, surgeons regularly performed penetrative bodily exams on sedated patients without medical indication. Most frequently, they were conducted for the purpose of medical education, but a 2020 New York Times investigation (published shortly before the pandemic) found...

Justice Served: Reflecting on the Verdicts Against Paduch and Copperman

May 21, 2024

By Kristen Gibbons Feden, Anapol Weiss Shareholder As an attorney who has dedicated my career to advocating for victims of sexual abuse, I am deeply moved by the recent conviction of Upper East Side urologist Darius Paduch. This case is a stark reminder of the systemic failures that allow predators to exploit their positions of trust. Paduch’s conviction for sexually abusing male patients, including underage boys, brings some measure of justice to his victims and highlights...

Marni S. Berger Shares Essential Insights on Representing Childhood Sexual Abuse Victims

May 1, 2024

In a recent publication in the Legal Intelligencer, Marni S. Berger, a distinguished partner at Anapol Weiss and an advocate for sexual abuse victims, outlines "10 Steps for Success in Representing a Victim of Childhood Sexual Abuse." This guide is a vital resource for legal professionals navigating the complexities of such sensitive cases. Berger emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundational relationship with clients and limiting their exposure to the stresses of legal proceedings. Her...