Publications Archives - Zero Abuse Project https://zeroabuseproject.org/category/publications/ Fighting Sexual Abuse of Children Wed, 25 Jun 2025 18:40:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://zeroabuseproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/favicon.png Publications Archives - Zero Abuse Project https://zeroabuseproject.org/category/publications/ 32 32 A Message from Michael: Prosecuting a Religious Leader for Sexually Abusing a Child https://zeroabuseproject.org/a-message-from-michael-prosecuting-a-religious-leader-for-sexually-abusing-a-child/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-message-from-michael-prosecuting-a-religious-leader-for-sexually-abusing-a-child Wed, 08 Jan 2025 18:29:10 +0000 https://zeroabuseproject.org/?p=36643 This resource explores the unique challenges of prosecuting clergy who sexually abuse children, including religious grooming tactics, spiritual trauma, and community dynamics. Using a detailed case study, it offers practical trial strategies and guidance for prosecutors and MDT professionals.

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]]> 36643 Unseen Forces: Manipulation, Grooming, and the Gradual Desensitization to Sexual Abuse in Adolescents https://zeroabuseproject.org/unseen-forces-manipulation-grooming-and-the-gradual-desensitization-to-sexual-abuse-in-adolescents/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=unseen-forces-manipulation-grooming-and-the-gradual-desensitization-to-sexual-abuse-in-adolescents Fri, 20 Dec 2024 20:04:12 +0000 https://zeroabuseproject.org/?p=36561 The article examines grooming patterns in adolescent sexual abuse, analyzing how perpetrators exploit emotional bonds to maintain control. It details five grooming stages and warning signs, explores cultural factors, and explains why teens often struggle to identify abuse due to emotional manipulation and consent confusion. These insights help professionals detect abuse and support victims.

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]]> 36561 Stalking and Free Speech: What Prosecutors Need to Know About Counterman v. Colorado https://zeroabuseproject.org/stalking-and-free-speech-what-prosecutors-need-to-know-about-counterman-v-colorado/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=stalking-and-free-speech-what-prosecutors-need-to-know-about-counterman-v-colorado Thu, 19 Dec 2024 21:48:19 +0000 https://zeroabuseproject.org/?p=36548 This article explores how prosecutors can navigate the Supreme Court's Counterman decision by leveraging digital evidence and comprehensive investigative strategies to prove a defendant's awareness of their threatening communications.

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Note: This publication was developed under grant funding to address Minnesota-specific prosecutorial needs and references Minnesota statutes, cases, and legal interpretations. While the analysis of Counterman v. Colorado and evidence-gathering strategies may be informative for legal professionals across jurisdictions, readers should consult their local statutes and case law for applicable standards in their jurisdiction. This resource is primarily intended to support Minnesota prosecutors in their investigation and prosecution of stalking cases.

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]]> 36548 Strategic Utilization of Case Themes in Child Abuse Prosecution https://zeroabuseproject.org/strategic-utilization-of-case-themes-in-child-abuse-prosecution/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=strategic-utilization-of-case-themes-in-child-abuse-prosecution Wed, 18 Dec 2024 19:42:01 +0000 https://zeroabuseproject.org/?p=36538 This essential guide presents seven key prosecutorial themes for child abuse cases, providing prosecutors with practical strategies to build compelling narratives that resonate with juries while advancing justice for victims.

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]]> 36538 Prosecuting America’s Dad: 10 Tips for the Ethical, Aggressive Prosecutor https://zeroabuseproject.org/prosecuting-americas-dad-10-tips-for-the-ethical-aggressive-prosecutor/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=prosecuting-americas-dad-10-tips-for-the-ethical-aggressive-prosecutor Wed, 18 Dec 2024 19:28:59 +0000 https://zeroabuseproject.org/?p=36527 In July 2021, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court vacated the conviction of William Henry Cosby. The prosecutor who pursued the criminal case that resulted in that conviction made a difficult but necessary decision to pursue justice for the victims. Every day, prosecutors are required to make complex decisions that require a careful balance of law, advocacy and ethics.

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]]> 36527 The Presentation of Parentification and Adultification Biases in Child Abuse Investigations https://zeroabuseproject.org/the-presentation-of-parentification-and-adultification-biases-in-child-abuse-investigations/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-presentation-of-parentification-and-adultification-biases-in-child-abuse-investigations Tue, 17 Dec 2024 18:05:10 +0000 https://zeroabuseproject.org/?p=36510 This comprehensive guide examines how parentification and adultification biases can affect child abuse investigations, highlighting how children who appear more "adult-like" - whether due to circumstances or racial/cultural stereotypes - may have their abuse disclosures taken less seriously or face additional barriers in receiving appropriate support and protection.

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]]> 36510 The Best Witness: Using Digital Evidence to Build Non-Stranger Sexual Assault Cases https://zeroabuseproject.org/the-best-witness-using-digital-evidence-to-build-non-stranger-sexual-assault-cases/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-best-witness-using-digital-evidence-to-build-non-stranger-sexual-assault-cases Tue, 03 Dec 2024 17:03:32 +0000 https://zeroabuseproject.org/?p=36422 This publication explores how digital evidence can be leveraged to build strong cases in non-stranger sexual assault investigations, particularly when eyewitnesses are absent. It offers practical guidance for prosecutors and law enforcement on identifying, preserving, and utilizing digital evidence to corroborate survivors' accounts and address key questions about events, consent, and consciousness.

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]]> 36422 The Hardest No: Meeting with Survivors when Prosecutors Decline to Charge https://zeroabuseproject.org/the-hardest-no/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-hardest-no Mon, 02 Dec 2024 21:28:24 +0000 https://zeroabuseproject.org/?p=36405 The guide helps prosecutors sensitively and professionally inform crime survivors when charges won't be filed, while providing resources and maintaining dignity throughout the process.

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]]> 36405 When States Investigate Gender-Affirming Care as Child Abuse: Resolving the Dilemma for Forensic Interviewers and Children’s Advocacy Centers https://zeroabuseproject.org/gender-affirming-care-as-child-abuse/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gender-affirming-care-as-child-abuse Mon, 04 Dec 2023 22:39:52 +0000 https://www.zeroabuseproject.org/?p=32735 Seen as an emerging ethical dilemma, this paper addresses the options for forensic interviewers who may be asked to interview transgender children whose caregivers are supportive of their gender-affirming care.

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]]> 32735 Evidence Collection in Child Abuse Cases: A Primer for Investigators and Prosecutors https://zeroabuseproject.org/evidence-collection-primer/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=evidence-collection-primer Mon, 17 Jul 2023 13:25:19 +0000 https://www.zeroabuseproject.org/?p=24522 This publication explores best practices in child maltreatment evidence collection, alongside highlighting new considerations for child abuse evidence recognition and investigative collaboration.

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