Erin Merryn’s Legacy of Change: Wisconsin Passes “Erin’s Law” and Survivors’ Voices Take Center Stage
A Survivor’s Journey to Legislation Erin Merryn is not just a name on a bill she is a living testament to transformation and advocacy. As a childhood sexual-abuse survivor, Erin turned her pain into purposeful action. She founded the initiative known as Erin’s Law, which mandates that schools teach students age-appropriate sexual abuse prevention education. Over […]
PA Moves to Stop AI-Driven Child Exploitation
I have dedicated my advocacy to shining a light on the darkest corners of sexual exploitation. To date, the world has focused on images and videos of real children during abusive encounters. But we are now facing a new frontier: AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM). I’ve spoken about it, written about it, educated on it, […]
What Is Sexual Coercion?
Many survivors struggle with uncertainty about whether what they experienced was sexual coercion. Often involving subtle psychological and emotional manipulation, sexual coercion can leave victims questioning themselves or confused. At Andreozzi + Foote, our trauma-informed lawyers are dedicated to helping survivors recognize sexual coercion, understand their legal rights, and hold individuals or institutions accountable for […]
November 18: World Day for the Prevention and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence
On November 18, the global community comes together to confront a truth too often ignored: every child deserves safety from sexual exploitation and abuse, and every survivor deserves meaningful support in healing. In 2022, the United Nations General Assembly established the World Day for the Prevention and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence, […]
When “Fun” Becomes Danger for Kids
The recent investigative reporting by Spotlight PA uncovered a chilling truth: at Field of Screams, a man convicted in 2011 of indecent exposure and corruption of minors volunteered alongside teens for three years. It is unacceptable and horrifying that a venue designed for chills and thrills has been hiding real danger for children. A haunted house […]
Minnesota Survivor Pushes for Stronger Grooming Laws and What Parents Need to Know to Protect Their Kids
In Minnesota, survivor Hannah LoPresto* is doing what every system should: shining a light on the gaps that allow predators to keep teaching. After coming forward about being groomed and sexually assaulted by her band director, LoPresto learned that because there was no criminal conviction he still held a valid teaching license. Now, she’s urging lawmakers to […]
The Allure and the Danger of “AI Therapy” for Children
Recently I attended an annual conference where the one main session was all about AI therapy targeting children, some with devastating results. In an era when technology promises quick answers and around-the-clock access, it is unsurprising that many parents, schools and children themselves are turning to artificial-intelligence-powered chatbots or “therapy” bots. The marketing lines are […]
Bankruptcy Doesn’t Mean End of Accountability
A Closer Look at the Diocese of Alexandria Filing In case you missed it, the Diocese of Alexandria in Louisiana filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection this weekend. For survivors, advocates, and attorneys working in institutional abuse cases, this filing deserves close attention not only for its legal implications but for what it says about […]
How Survivors Can Lessen the Impact of Trauma Triggers During Interviews and Depositions
For many survivors of sexual abuse, the legal process can be just as emotionally challenging as the abuse itself. Talking about what happened especially in formal settings like interviews or depositions can bring up powerful trauma responses. These triggers aren’t a sign of weakness; they’re a natural reaction to re-entering a space where power, control, […]
Halloween Safety Tips for Parents
Keeping Your Kids Safe So They Can Actually Celebrate It’s that magical time of year: costumes, candy buckets, haunted pumpkins, and the thrill of walking through the neighborhood on Halloween night. As a children’s-safety advocate, I know the fun of Halloween is important but so is making sure our little trick-or-treaters are safe, empowered and protected. […]