In Defending Dennis Hastert, Washington Forgets Sex Abuse Victims

The Rev. Madison Shockley / Truthdig Jun 4, 2015 Members of the American political elite feel they are protecting the establishment by giving the former House speaker the benefit of the doubt, just as the Vatican has done for accused priests for decades. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Pro-Choice Protesters to Rally in Paraguay After Child Rape Victim Is Denied Abortion

Natasha Hakimi Zapata / Truthdig May 28, 2015 The Catholic country in which, on average, two children under the age of 16 give birth each day, is facing backlash after authorities ordered a 10-year-old victim of sexual abuse to carry out her pregnancy. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Justice Department Says Rikers Island Jailers Routinely Abused Teen Inmates

Peter Z. Scheer / Truthdig Aug 9, 2014 An extensive report by the Justice Department has found that New York's primary jail is an absolute hell for underage inmates. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

The Politics of Parenting: How Our Society Criminalizes Poor Mothers of Color

Sonali Kolhatkar / Truthdig Jul 25, 2014 When 46-year-old Debra Harrell was arrested July 1 for leaving her daughter unattended at a public park, she joined the ever-increasing ranks of poor mothers of color who are criminalized. Dig deeper ( 5 Min. Read )

Pope Francis Asks Forgiveness for ‘Evil’ of Child Abuse

Staff / Truthdig Apr 14, 2014 In remarks quoted by Vatican radio Friday, Pope Francis personally asked forgiveness for sexual abuse committed by Catholic priests. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Jailed Catholic Priest Catches a Break From Pennsylvania Court

Staff / Truthdig Dec 27, 2013 On Thursday, a trio of Superior Court judges in Pennsylvania ordered the release of Monsignor William Lynn from the state prison where he has been serving time for his role in dealing with sex abuse claims against fellow Catholic clergy members. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

L.A. Social Workers Say ‘Social Worker-to-Child Ratios’ Unsafe

Alexander Reed Kelly / Truthdig Dec 7, 2013 "More than 1,600 social workers in Los Angeles County have gone on strike for better pay and fewer caseloads, saying excessive demands were buckling the system and jeopardizing children's safety," The Guardian reports. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Pope Francis Cracks Down on Child Abuse in Vatican

Staff / Truthdig Dec 6, 2013 That Pope Francis is really on a tear. First he forsakes the luxe lodging and fancy wheels enjoyed by his peers, blasts the wanton lust for filthy lucre that has plundered the world's coffers, breaks bread with the homeless and, most tellingly, ticks off Sarah Palin. You'd think his church was founded on the tenets of Jesus or something. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Smokin’ Bishop

Steve Sack, Cagle Cartoons, The Minneapolis Star Tribune Oct 12, 2013 Dig deeper

Classroom Seating Chart

David Fitzsimmons, Cagle Cartoons, The Arizona Star Aug 17, 2013 Dig deeper

Child Abuse

David Fitzsimmons, Cagle Cartoons, The Arizona Star Apr 2, 2013 Dig deeper

$10 Million Deal Settles 4 Catholic Sex Abuse Cases

Alexander Reed Kelly / Truthdig Mar 13, 2013 Four child abuse cases were settled as part of a $10 million deal while the man who helped protect the offender was in Rome helping elect God's next Catholic representative on earth. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )