Butch and Sandy Kimmerling wasted no time. Soon after child welfare officials voted to allow a gay man to adopt the foster child who had been living in the Kimmerlings’ home for five years, Butch and Sandy contacted their pastor.
Domestic Violence
Ashley would be exploited, abused and, ultimately, abandoned by people who said they cared about her. And her invisible wounds would persist for decades.
"I was the only person willing to protect me." Ashley Peterson on surviving abuse, being shamed for speaking up, and why there should be no statute of limitations.
A new reporting project will "examine the health risks to the public that can occur when society and local governments neglect or underfund initiatives to alleviate conditions where homeless populations live."
Public health officials and medical professionals now recognize violence and other major factors — education, employment status, income, experience with discrimination — as key factors for women’s health.
This story was produced as part of a larger project led by Molly Sullivan, a participant in the 2018 California Fellowship.
Other stories in this series include:
This story was produced as part of a larger project led by Molly Sullivan, a participant in the 2018 California Fellowship.
Other stories in this series include:
Domestic violence resource centers boost efforts in south Sacramento neighborhoods
Are there better ways to help women suffering from domestic violence and maternal depression? Forward-thinking providers and programs located at LAC+USC Medical Center are trying new approaches.
Journalists seeking to include the voices of survivors in their stories should start with the most important maxim: Do no harm.