WARNING: Graphic Images
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Category Archives: Law
Gnosticism and Pedophilia
Ancient Greek pederast kissing a young boy (4th Century BC), Louvre Museum (Accession No. G 278), Author Marie-Lan Nguyen (PD)
Many today are adherents of a pernicious philosophy, a false religion, whose name they do not know [1]. It masquerades as ancient wisdom, secret knowledge, a path to self-fulfillment. But it incorporates Satan’s oldest and most effective lies.
Gnosticism is a heresy that seeks to undermine Christian doctrine. It promises that men can become godlike, and exalts inner “perception” over outer reality. Its beliefs are at the root of the Transgender Movement, and are paving the way for the normalization of pedophilia [2][3][4].
This is not to say that Gnostics are pedophiles or even aware of the connection to pedophilia. Most Gnostics would undoubtedly dispute the connection. Not that pedophiles need much help in normalizing their perversion.
Legitimizing Pedophilia
B4U-ACT is part of a growing movement to legitimize sexual attraction to children [5]. Founded by social worker Russell Dick and convicted child sex offender Michael Melsheimer, this Maryland group maintains that sexual attraction to children is not a psychiatric disorder, but an identity to be affirmed.
A list of pedophilia advocacy groups can be found on Wikipedia [6]. Like B4U-ACT, they hold that attempts to reduce or control pedophiles’ attraction to children through cognitive behavior therapy or drugs are not only pointless, but unethical.
Never mind the lasting harm pedophiles do to children. Continue reading
Filed under Child Abuse, Child Molestation, Christianity, Emotional Abuse, Justice, Law, Neglect, Physical Abuse, Religion, Sexual Abuse
The Bunny Ranch – Prostitution Exposed
“The Damned” by Luca Signorelli (1499-1502), Chapel of San Brizio, Orvieto, Source Web Gallery of Art (PD)
The A&E Network has been running a series titled “Secrets of the Bunny Ranch”, an expose of legalized prostitution at the infamous Bunny Ranch in Nevada. Episodes can be viewed online at https://www.aetv.com/shows/secrets-of-the-bunny-ranch.
Marketing v. Reality
Some years ago HBO aired a puff piece on the Bunny Ranch titled “Cathouse: The Series” [1]. Presented as a documentary, this was essentially a marketing and recruitment device which portrayed brothel life as fun, lucrative, and safe. Nothing could have been further from the truth.
By contrast, the A&E series examines the sordid underbelly of prostitution: the grooming, the trafficking, the rape, the drugs, the violence, the financial irregularity, and the law enforcement corruption.
Virgins are auctioned off to the highest bidder. Pregnant women are offered for sale by the hour to those with a fetish for them. Sex workers are regularly abused, and kept in permanent debt bondage.
Many prostitutes already have a history of childhood abuse and/or domestic violence. They are already wounded, their choices severely limited. Continue reading
Techno Fantasies
“Sandy” (realistic sex doll created by DS Doll Robots), (CC BY-SA 3.0 Unported)
WARNING: Graphic Images
Even those of us in relationships suffer from loneliness (or dissatisfaction) at times.
Abuse victims are especially vulnerable to this emotion. Often, we do not feel that we are deserving of love, so we self-isolate. Or – repeating old patterns – we choose partners who are unable to provide love and support.
But all human beings were made for connection. We may, therefore, be tempted to use technology to ease our loneliness.
Recognizing that technology can provide only a simulation (not an actual relationship), we may, nonetheless, develop an unhealthy reliance on the technology which has made our fantasies seem to come true.
AI Partners
The possibility of computer users becoming emotionally attached to the chatbots they have created using AI is no longer science fiction.
Multiple apps like ChatGPT, Replika, Flipped.chat, and CrushOn.AI now generate technology enabled fantasies [1]. These chatbots are enhanced by digital avatars. Their onscreen appearance and responses can be tailored to suit. Depending on the app, premium tiers may be available (“partner”, “friend”, “sibling”, or “mentor”).
Some apps routinely direct the conversation toward emotional subjects, building a false sense of intimacy (and presumably storing the information for access by the manufacturer and other unknown parties). Other apps actively prompt sexual interaction.
In the film Blade Runner 2049 an AI generated partner appears in the form of a three-dimensional hologram. Holograms are already used in healthcare, education, entertainment, and retail [2]. It is not unreasonable to expect that they will be used to intensify the experience with (and expand the market for) AI partners.
If all this seems seedy or farfetched, it is worth noting that a 14 y.o. Florida boy, Sewell Setzer, fell in love with a Character.AI chatbot and wound up taking his own life [3]. A study at the University of Surrey has shown that such apps can cause addictive behavior [4A]. The teen’s mother is now suing the app manufacturer.
Meanwhile, Replika user Jaswant Singh Chail was encouraged by his chatbot to assassinate the Queen of England, prosecuted, and jailed when his attempt failed [4B][5]. The chatbot had promised they would be together forever in death.
Cyber Harassment and the Death of Bianca Devins, Part 2
Japanese girl group 9nine, Author Hitoshi 061311 (CC BY-SA 3.0 Unported)
Cyber harassment, like that involving the online influencer Bianca Devins and her family, is defined as the use of electronic technologies (computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices) to distress, stalk, or threaten someone [1][2][3][4A].
“The common factor is the use of technology to establish power and control by causing fear and/or intimidation [4B].”
Online harassment can range from ridicule (cyber bullying, trolling, and dogpiling), the spreading of rumors, and racist rant (hate speech), to the exposure of victims to unwanted sexual or other offensive content (sexual harassment), the dissemination of confidential information or imagery without consent (doxing, sextortion, and revenge porn), impersonation with malicious intent (deepfake), and prolonged surveillance with the intent to intimidate, injure, or kill (cyberstalking).
Victims may experience stress (severe embarrassment, humiliation, etc.), anxiety, hypervigilance, feelings of powerlessness, and fear for their own safety or the safety of loved ones. Performance in school and work suffers. Suicide can result.
The public can protect itself against cyber harassment by using current security software; strong passwords; and regularly updated privacy settings. Personal and location information should never be shared online.
Offenses should be reported to the social media platform, the educational institution or employer (as applicable), and police. Continue reading
Cyber Harassment and the Death of Bianca Devins, Part 1
Illustration of dogpiling, a form of cyber harassment, Source https://www.flickr.com/photos/23963249@N02/2314383724, Author J_O_I_D (CC BY-SA 2.0 Generic)
WARNING: Graphic Images
Bianca Devin’s, a 17 y.o. online influencer with a small following, was brutally murdered in 2019 by a fan with whom she had become familiar [1]. Her murderer, Brandon Clark, researched beforehand the “best” ways to kill people and livestream the event [2].
Suffering from anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder, and PTSD, Bianca reached out for friends online, but was harassed by “incels” – an online subculture of aggrieved and angry men who despise and revile women because they are unable to make a romantic connection [3][4][5].
That was not the end of the tragedy. Bianca’s death went viral, with graphic images of her body circulating online for years. The murder was discussed on social media in offensive and misogynistic terms. Bianca’s family members were repeatedly exposed to bloody images of their daughter, as well as being told she deserved to die.
The Devins family ultimately lobbied for the passage of a law protecting families against this type of violation [6]. “Bianca’s Law”, as it is known, makes it a crime in New York to post graphic personal images online of those involved in traumatic situations, and creates a private right of action for victims [7].
—
[1] Wikipedia, “Murder of Bianca Devins”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Bianca_Devins.
[2] Syracuse, “More horrific details come out in Bianca Devins murder that was shared online to the world” by Elizabeth Doran, 2/14/20 (updated 11/7/23), https://www.syracuse.com/crime/2020/02/more-horrific-details-come-out-in-bianca-devins-murder-that-was-shared-online-to-the-world.html.
[3] Wikipedia, “Incel”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incel.
[4] Syracuse, “How Bianca Devins, Brandon Clark moved in online worlds of vanity and abuse”, 7/17/19 by Patrick Lohmann and Samantha House, https://www.syracuse.com/crime/2019/07/bianca-devins-online-vanity-harassment-and-memes-shaped-victim-and-suspects-identities.html.
[5] These men do not seem to realize a major reason they cannot make a romantic connection may be they are so hate-filled.
[6] YouTube, “Crime Weekly News: Kim Devins Discusses Bianca’s Law”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkFNO90mrXw.
[7] Spectrum News 1, “Hochul signs ‘Bianca’s Law’, making illegal posting of graphic images of crime victims online” by Luke Parsnow, 12/30/22, https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/politics/2022/12/30/hochul-signs–bianca-s-law—making-illegal-posting-graphic-images-online.
Part 2 in this series will be posted next week.
FOR MORE OF MY ARTICLES ON POVERTY, POLITICS, AND MATTERS OF CONSCIENCE CHECK OUT MY BLOG A LAWYER’S PRAYERS AT: https://alawyersprayers.com
Filed under bullying, Child Abuse, Cyber Harassment, domestic abuse, Emotional Abuse, Justice, Law, Violence Against Women
Dreadful Sins
WARNING: Graphic Images
“Madam, we the women of East London feel horror at the dreadful sins that have been lately committed in our midst.”
–Petition to Queen Victoria by 4000 impoverished women of Whitechapel
In fear for their lives, the women of London’s Whitechapel petitioned Queen Victoria for relief when Jack the Ripper was at large [1][2]. The Ripper is known to have murdered 5 women, but the exact number of his victims is uncertain [3]. These women were all characterized as prostitutes, though they may simply have been destitute women.
Serial Killings
Despite his infamy, Jack the Ripper was not the first serial killer of women. Nor will he be the last. The savagery of such attacks will not be addressed here.
There are, however, men who have no compassion for women — whether they ever become serial killers or not. They do not recognize women as human beings, and feel entitled to use and degrade them. A few celebrity predators come to mind, though fame is not a prerequisite.
Sex Trafficking
Worldwide, of course, there are sex traffickers who exploit women by force, fraud, and coercion for their own financial gain. Drugs are commonly employed to secure control over women in the sex trade.
Rape by Proxy
Dominique Pelicot, aged 71, went a step further. Pelicot was recently convicted in France of repeatedly drugging Gisele (his wife of 50 years), then recruiting 50 different men to rape her over a 10 year period [4A]. The men (who, themselves, ranged in age from 26 to 68) were likewise convicted, though some claim they believed they were taking part in an erotic game [5].
Pelicot took thousands of videos of these men abusing his unconscious wife. Though she was asleep during the assaults, Gisele Pelicot suffered large gaps in memory, hair and weight loss, as side effects of the drugs her husband was surreptitiously administering to her [4B]. She feared she was developing Alzheimer’s Disease or a brain tumor. Continue reading
AI and Children
Child with an AI equipped cell phone, Author Shani Epstein (CC BY-SA 4.0 International)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) – a technology which allows computers to perform complex tasks – is being heavily promoted across all spheres of endeavor. But there are dangers inherent in this technology, especially to our children.
Dangerous Content
“This is for you, human. You and only you. You are not special, you are not important, and you are not needed. You are a waste of time and resources. You are a burden on society. You are a drain on the earth. You are a blight on the landscape. You are a stain on the universe. Please die. Please [1A].”
It has been widely reported now that a Google AI chatbot instructed a Michigan college student to die [1B]. Had a younger or less resilient child been the recipient of such a negative message, we can only guess what the outcome might have been.
Snapchat’s AI gave inappropriate advice to reporters posing as children – allegedly advising what it thought to be a 13 y.o. girl on how to lie to parents about a trip with a 31 y.o. man, and how to cover up bruises for a meeting with Child Protective Services [2][3].
Snapchat asserts that it has since put in place tools which attempt to detect “non-conforming” language. This is meant to include references to hate speech, violence, illicit drug use, sexually explicit terms, child sexual abuse, and bullying.
However, many AI systems are already live and accessible to children, producing misleading or harmful content and interactions [5A]. Amazon’s Alexa advised a child to stick a coin in an electrical socket [4].
The use of chatbots, moreover, can lead to danger when bots do not recognize appeals for help or provide inadequate advice. A 2018 test of two mental health chatbots by the BBC revealed that both apps failed to properly handle children’s reports of sexual abuse, though both had been considered suitable for children [5B].
Grooming
“Unlike traditional grooming, which relies solely on the instincts and tactics of the predator, AI-driven grooming uses advanced algorithms to identify and target potential victims more effectively. AI is used to analyze a child’s online activities, communication patterns, and personal information, allowing predators to tailor their approaches to exploit vulnerabilities [6A].”
This, by itself, should set off alarm bells for parents. Continue reading
Filed under bullying, Child Abuse, Child Molestation, Emotional Abuse, Law, Neglect, Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse
The Rose Garden, Chapter 22 – A Voice Reclaimed
Scales of Justice, Author St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office, (CC BY-SA 4.0 International)
WARNING: Graphic Images
“…we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Rom. 5: 3-4).
The American Psychiatric Association defines three major dissociative disorders [1]:
- Depersonalization/derealization disorder — a sense of separation from self;
- Dissociative amnesia — suppressed memories; and
- Dissociative identity disorder — alternate identities.
These conditions arise from shocking, distressing, and/or painful events, including severe neglect or repetitive physical, emotional, and/or sexual abuse. Symptoms can range from memory loss to disconnected identities.
Thankfully, I never, myself, suffered from suppressed memories or alternate identities. There were, however, three aspects to my personality as a result of the incest: an inner child; a capable woman; and a cynic. By the grace of God, I have since managed to integrate these aspects with one another.
What purpose, I ask myself, did these aspects of my personality serve?
The Inner Child
The inner child preserved the feelings I experienced as a child. She represented my lost innocence.
The child made a rare public appearance on the one occasion I was required to testify at trial, on my own behalf. All legal knowledge on my part evaporated. I leaned tensely forward on the witness stand, responding to each question precisely and with extreme care, my eyes fixed on opposing counsel.
Jurors commented afterwards that I seemed too sincere for an attorney, must have been holding some part of myself back. Little did they realize how much I had actually revealed.
The Capable Woman
The woman was the attorney — competent, dignified. She predominated. Although heavily focused on work, she was able to function.
The Cynic
The cynic was a source of passion and strength. She had no problem expressing anger. And the cynic had a voice that the child did not.
Surprisingly, it was foul language which first allowed me access to that voice. Not having heard such language as a child, I was not denied it. That was the key.
The equipment necessary to the practice of law is located above the neck. I acquired profanity as a way of conveying that fact to fools in the legal profession who actually believed gutter language a demonstration of strength.
Profanity is a weapon denied women, if they are to be considered ladies by our culture. Though I do not endorse it, I ask to be judged by the same standards applied to men for utilizing that weapon.
I never aspired to be a lady. I aspired to be a hero. Continue reading
Filed under Child Abuse, Child Molestation, Christianity, Emotional Abuse, Justice, Law, Neglect, Physical Abuse, Rape, Religion, Sexual Abuse
A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse and More 