Josh Duggar after Ashley Madison hack, Two New Women Accuse Bill Cosby of Sexual Assault, Australian actress in ‘Prisoner’ convicted of child abuse

Josh Duggar after Ashley Madison hack: ‘I have been the biggest hypocrite ever’
By Dana Ford, CNN Thu August 20, 2015

(CNN) Reality TV star Josh Duggar is apologizing after being outed as one of the 32 million people who used the cheating website Ashley Madison.

Hackers stole customers’ information from the website and released it to the public this week, exposing something Duggar tried to keep secret.

“I have been the biggest hypocrite ever. While espousing faith and family values, I have secretly over the last several years been viewing pornography on the internet and this became a secret addiction and I became unfaithful to my wife,” Duggar said in a statement Thursday….

According to an analysis from the cybersecurity company Trustify, Duggar paid Ashley Madison some $986 between 2012 and 2015. He used the name, josh_the_man, and described himself as an “attached male seeking female,” according to the analysis….
http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/20/us/josh-duggar-ashley-madison/

Two New Women Accuse Bill Cosby of Sexual Assault
By Alexandra Hurtado 08/20/2015
The list of women accusing Bill Cosby of sexual assault grew Thursday, with two new women publicly coming forward in New York City with their stories.

The two accusers join a group of more than 40 women who allege they were drugged and sexually assaulted by the comedian.

Charlotte Fox and “Elizabeth” – who asked that her real name not be used – detailed their allegations against the 78-year-old comedian in a press conference held by civil rights attorney Gloria Allred, who is representing the alleged victims. The women were also joined in support by another alleged Cosby victim, Sarita Butterfield, who came forward with her story last November….

Cosby is scheduled to give his testimony on Oct. 9, after a California judge ordered the actor to give a deposition in the civil suit filed by Allred’s client Judy Huth – who claims the comedian molested her at the Playboy Mansion when she was 15 years old….
http://www.people.com/article/bill-cosby-two-new-accusers-sexual-assault-claims

Australian actress in ‘Prisoner’ convicted of child abuse
Associated Press August 20, 2015
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Veteran actress Maggie Kirkpatrick, who played a violent and sadistic warden nicknamed “The Freak” in a cult Australian soap opera set in a women’s prison, has been convicted of molesting a 14-year-old psychiatric hospital patient in her home more than 30 years ago. The series was known as “Prisoner” in Australia….
http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2015/08/20/australian-actress-convicted-child-abuse/32037645/

TLC sets airdate for child sexual abuse documentary ‘Breaking the Silence’

TLC sets airdate for child sexual abuse documentary ‘Breaking the Silence’ 
ASSOCIATED PRESS Thursday, August 13, 2015

LOS ANGELES — TLC network has set an airdate for its new documentary to raise awareness about child sexual abuse.

The film, “Breaking the Silence,” will air at 10 p.m. EDT Aug. 30, the network said Thursday.

To be broadcast commercial-free, the documentary aims to shine a light on the challenges faced by those affected by child sexual abuse, as well as raise awareness of where people can turn for help.

An estimated one in 10 children will be the victim of sexual abuse before the age of 18, with an estimated 42 million survivors in America today, the network says….

The film was first announced last month when TLC pulled the plug on its hit series “19 Kids and Counting” after reports surfaced that one of its stars, Josh Duggar, the oldest of the family’s 19 children, had fondled four of his sisters and a baby sitter a dozen years before, when he was a teenager.

The documentary is built around the stories of child-abuse survivors. Among them is Erin Merryn, a mother, two-time survivor and driving force behind “Erin’s Law,” legislation passed in 26 states….
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/tlc-sets-airdate-child-sexual-abuse-documentar-article-1.2324690

TLC cancels ‘19 Kids and Counting’ amid Josh Duggar abuse scandal, Josh Duggar may face civil lawsuit from molestation victim: report

TLC cancels ‘19 Kids and Counting’ amid Josh Duggar abuse scandal
BY Philip Caulfield  NEW YORK DAILY NEWS  Thursday, July 16, 2015

TLC has pulled the plug on the Duggar family’s TV show.

The basic cable network cancelled “19 Kids and Counting” amid the fallout of eldest son Josh Duggar’s molestation scandal, but said it will continue to work with the Christian clan for a documentary about child sex abuse.

“After thoughtful consideration, TLC and the Duggar family have decided to not move forward with 19 Kids and Counting. The show will no longer appear on the air,” the network said in a statement.

“TLC will work closely with [two abuse advocacy groups] and with the Duggar family on a one-hour documentary that will include Jill and Jessa and other survivors and families that have been affected by abuse,” the network said….
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/tlc-cancels-19-kids-counting-duggar-abuse-scandal-article-1.2294251

The Duggars’ TLC reality show ’19 Kids and Counting’ is officially canceled
By Abby Ohlheiser July 16, 2015

Nearly two months after a molestation scandal prompted TLC to pull reruns of the popular reality program “19 Kids and Counting” from the air and online, the network announced that it has officially canceled the program.

“After thoughtful consideration, TLC and the Duggar family have decided to not move forward with 19 Kids and Counting,” the network said. “The show will no longer appear on the air.”

The announcement ends weeks of speculation about the fate of the show after the Duggars’ oldest son, Josh, apologized in May for molesting multiple young girls, including some of his sisters, more than a decade ago, when he was a teenager.  Duggar, 27, also resigned from his job at the Family Research Council’s lobbying arm in D.C….
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/07/16/the-duggars-tlc-reality-show-19-kids-and-counting-is-officially-canceled/

’19 Kids and Counting’ star Josh Duggar may face civil lawsuit from molestation victim: report
BY Ethan Sacks NEW YORK DAILY NEWS  Wednesday, July 1, 2015

“19 Kids and Counting” star Josh Duggar is facing a harsh new reality: one of his molestation victims is reportedly close to filing a civil lawsuit against him.

The prospective suit, first reported by In Touch Weekly, could lead to Duggar and his parents, Jim Bob, and Michelle, to give embarrassing information about the molestation scandal that has rocked the religious reality television clan.

“All the church elders who knew about this will have to be named,” a source told the gossip magazine.

News of a potential lawsuit comes a month after the eldest son of the Duggar clan was forced to admit he molested five girls — four of them his own sisters — as a teenager. The plaintiff is the fifth victim, who is not related to her abuser…..
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/josh-duggar-face-lawsuit-molestation-victim-report-article-1.2277789

New child abuse scandal hits Mike Huckabee

New child abuse scandal hits Mike Huckabee: Republican White House hopeful’s co-author …. and escaped charges because of statute of limitations

John Perry co-authored Huckabee’s 2008 campaign memoirs and is now revealed ….
Police concluded abuse had taken place but they were alerted to it after statute of limitations had kicked in
Perry tells Daily Mail Online ‘the parties involved were reconciled and restored years ago’ and abuse emerged because of vendetta
No suggestion Huckabee knew Perry was an abuser but comes after Duggar family revealed to have covered up son Josh’s molestation of sisters

By Francesca Chambers, White House Correspondent For Dailymail.com

11 June 2015

Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee is facing fresh controversy over links to a child abuser today.

The evangelical Christian politician’s co-author was revealed to have been found by police to have molested a girl when she was just 11, and continued the abuse for three years.

John Perry, a prolific author who helped co-write hit movie The Vow, was not prosecuted because the statute of limitations had passed by the time police became involved,Buzzfeed News reported as it revealed the abuse.

Perry is the second associate of Huckabee to have been revealed as an abuser, after Josh Duggar’s abuse of his sisters was disclosed.

Perry today told Daily Mail Online that ‘the parties involved were reconciled and restored years ago’ and that the investigation had been prompted by an individual who had a ‘vendetta’ against his former church…..

Minutes of meetings from Covenant Presbyterian Church  – part of the national Presbyterian church – given to Buzzfeed by a parishioner show that Perry resigned from its deaconate in 2008.

At a separate meeting in 2010, Perry was reportedly excommunicated after ‘he confessed to committing heinous and repetitive sin […] and has not shown evidence of repentance’.

Those same minutes were used as evidence in a 2012 lawsuit brought against the church by Mrs. Davis and her husband Austin Davis, who are no longer parishioners there.

The Nashville Police department told Buzzfeed, ‘The alleged sexual battery was reported to have occurred when the victim was between the ages of 11 and 14.’

As a result of its 2012 investigation, ‘the allegations of sexual battery were sustained, but it was determined that the statute of limitations had tolled, barring prosecution,’ spokesman Don Aaron told Buzzfeed.

‘The victim was age 18 when she first disclosed the allegations to non-law enforcement and said at that time she did not want the matter reported to the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services or the police.’

Perry’s divorce proceedings are not a matter of public record. But Buzzfeed reports that, according to documents filed, Perry’s ex-wife claims he ‘admitted sexual abuse’ of child.

His response to her claim, based on the documents, was that ‘there was never any testimony or other evidence of any kind presented’ nor were there ‘any orders or findings of fact […] regarding any alleged sexual abuse of any minor child relative to the parties’ divorce or any other legal proceeding.’….
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3120240/New-child-abuse-scandal-hits-Mike-Huckabee-Republican-White-House-hopeful-s-author-molested-girl-11-escaped-charges-statute-limitations.html

Duggar family under investigation, refuses to let official check on child, Nova Scotia woman tortured for years by family, Central-Colombia shaman arrested for ‘drugging and raping at least 50 women’

– Duggar family under investigation, refuses to let official check on child: 911 call
– Duggars were investigated by DHS in May and 911 was called, new report claims
– Women’s issues, ‘Up For Debate’ campaign gets Nova Scotian support
– Nova Scotia woman ‘tortured’ for years by family speaks out
– Central-Colombia shaman arrested for ‘drugging and raping at least 50 women’

Duggar family under investigation, refuses to let official check on child: 911 call
BY Meg Wagner  NEW YORK DAILY NEWS  Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Arkansas’ Department of Human Services is investigating the Duggar family, according to a worker who called 911 when the family refused to let him check in on a child.

Arkansas officials are again investigating the Duggars — but the ultraconservative family isn’t cooperating.

A Department of Human Services worker called 911 last month after the Duggars — entangled in oldest son Josh’s molestation scandal — refused to let him check in on a child inside the house, according records newly obtained by In Touch Weekly.

The caller told the dispatcher he visited the home as part of a DHS investigation into the “19 Kids & Counting” family….
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/duggars-not-cooperating-new-investigation-official-article-1.2253195

Duggars were investigated by DHS in May and 911 was called, new report claims
Published June 10, 2015

A new report by In Touch claims the Duggar family was being investigated as recently as May 27, and a 911 call regarding the Duggars was placed on that date by a Washington County Department of Human Services (DHS) worker because the DHS was allegedly being denied access to a minor in the family.

The call was supposedly just days after a May 19 report by In Touch revealed Josh Duggar had sexually abused five females – including four sisters — when he was 14 or 15 back in 2002 and 2003. Josh Duggar, his parents, and two of his sisters—Jessa Seewald and Jill Dillard—have since spoken openly about the abuse.

After the revelations about the Duggars hit the web, the Arkansas Department of Human Services reportedly launched a new investigation into the family made famous by the TV show “19 Kids and Counting.”

The latest issue of In Touch magazine contains a transcript of the 911 call that was allegedly made regarding the Duggar family. In supposed printed transcript of the call, the caller identifies the home they are calling about by saying “Address is the Duggar family home.”….
http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2015/06/10/duggars-were-investigated-by-dhs-in-may-and-11-was-called-new-report-claims/

Women’s issues, ‘Up For Debate’ campaign gets Nova Scotian support
‘Up for Debate’ campaign wants federal party leaders to agree to a national debate on women’s issues
CBC News Posted: Jun 10, 2015

Two Nova Scotian women are getting behind a national push towards a federal election debate that focuses entirely on women’s issues.

Linda MacDonald and Jeanne Sarson are vocal in their support of Up For Debate, an alliance of organizations united in raising awareness about women’s rights until the next election. They are calling for party leaders to be answer questions about the many national issues that concern the physical and mental health of women….

Both women are members of an organization called Persons Against Non-state Torture. Their mandate is to work with people who’ve experienced forms of domestic torture, including ritual abuse in private settings.

Their organization joins over 170 others in Canada in supporting the campaign….
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/women-s-issues-up-for-debate-campaign-gets-nova-scotian-support-1.3108546

Nova Scotia woman ‘tortured’ for years by family speaks out
WARNING: This story contains graphic details that may be disturbing to some readers

By Angela MacIvor, Susan Allen, CBC News Posted: May 28, 2014

Two Nova Scotia registered nurses who run a human rights advocacy group are speaking out about domestic “torture” cases with the help of a woman victim who first sparked the issue for them more than 20 years ago.

“We tried to find people to help her and no one really wanted to. About three sessions into her work, we realized she was a torture survivor because her story went way beyond abuse, so we stayed with her and we helped her heal,” said Linda MacDonald.

MacDonald and fellow registered nurse Jeanne Sarson are the founders of Persons Against NST (Non-State Torture).

They say their first foray into looking at domestic torture began in 1993 when Sarson took a call from a woman in her late 20s who goes by the name Sara….

Sara, who is now 50 years old and uses a pseudonym to protect her identity, alleges she was starved, drugged, confined, beaten and raped by her own parents from the time she was a young child….

Over the years, Sarson and MacDonald say they’ve helped more than 3,000 victims of NST around the globe, including about a dozen or so cases in Nova Scotia.

MacDonald says counselling can continue for two to three years. In some cases, they work with victims for over a decade….
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-woman-tortured-for-years-by-family-speaks-out-1.2655876

Central-Colombia shaman arrested for ‘drugging and raping at least 50 women’
Posted by Torkan Omari on Jun 5, 2015
A shaman from central Colombia was arrested on Thursday on charges he drugged and raped at least 50 women between 2008 and 2012.

Edgar Orlando Gaitan, known as “El Taita”, is accused of using his position as a shaman to sexually abuse women who came to him to perform spiritual rituals in which the native “Yage” or “Ayahuasca” drug was used.

During the ritual, the participants visiting him in La Vega, Cundinamarca drank the brew made out of various plants.

However, according to prosecutors, Gaitan mixed the traditional drug with a substance that made women fall asleep after which he sexually abused his victims….
The suspect has denied the charges.
http://colombiareports.com/central-colombia-shaman-arrested-for-drugging-and-raping-at-least-50-women/

Fran’s Day Care
State’s highest criminal court throws out 1992 convictions of sexual assault at Austin day care. Court declines, however, to find innocent in case involving claims of satanic abuse.
https://ritualabuse.us/ritualabuse/articles/frans-day-care/

Ex-trooper: Duggars hid full extent of abuse, Up to 14 priests sexually abused children in Ballarat, commission hears, Paedophile Gerald Ridsdale admits another priest ‘may have seen abuse’

Ex-trooper: Duggars hid full extent of abuse
Doug Stanglin, USA TODAY May 28, 2015

A former Arkansas state trooper claims the Duggar family concealed the extent of their son’s alleged fondling of underage girls when the patriarch of the family turned to him for help disciplining the teenager more than a decade ago, In Touch reports.

The trooper, Hutchens, is currently serving 56 years in an Arkansas prison on child pornography charges. He spoke with In Touch on Wednesday through a local law firm, the publication says….

According to the police report, Jim Bob Duggar, the family patriarch, told police that he brought his son to then-State Trooper Joseph Hutchens, a personal friend, for a “stern talk” after Josh purportedly had gone through a Christian counseling program in 2003.

The report states that Hutchens said there was nothing more to do about the allegations, given that Josh Duggar had gone through a counseling program.

Michelle Duggar, Josh’s mother, later told police that her son did not go through such a program but instead had stayed at a Little Rock home that a family friend was remodeling.

In Touch says that Hutchens’ failure to report the abuse caused the police to halt their 2006 investigation because the statute of limitations had run out….

Hutchens disputes Duggar’s account of the incident, saying Jim Bob Duggar only told him about a single incident of abuse.

He maintains that Jim Bob and Josh Duggar told him Josh had inappropriately touched one girl through her clothing while she slept. They said “it only happened one time,” the former state trooper told In Touch.

Hutchens told In Touch that the Duggars’ original account of the incident played a part in his decision not to report the alleged abuse….
http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2015/05/28/jim-bob-duggar-state-trooper-josh-duggar-fondling-sex-abuse/28058841/

Up to 14 priests sexually abused children in Ballarat, commission hears
Child sex abuse royal commission told there have been at least 130 claims and substantiated complaints of child sexual abuse against the diocese since 1980
Australian Associated Press Thursday 28 May 2015

As many as 14 priests have been found to have sexually abused children in Victoria’s Ballarat diocese, the child sexual abuse royal commission has heard.

Data before the royal commission into institutional responses to child sexual abuse shows there have been at least 130 claims and substantiated complaints of child sexual abuse against the Ballarat diocese since 1980.

Senior counsel assisting the commission Gail Furness said that number included seven claims jointly held against the Christian Brothers.
She said at least 14 priests of the Ballarat diocese have been the subject of one or more claim or substantiated complaint of child sex abuse. Ballarat bishop Paul Bird said he was not certain that all 14 had been substantiated and he thought it was a lower number, maybe 10 or 12….
http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/may/29/up-to-14-priests-sexually-abused-children-in-ballarat-commission-hears

Paedophile Gerald Ridsdale admits another priest ‘may have seen abuse’
Disgraced priest also accepts that he shared a house with George Pell Victoria’s Ballarat diocesein the 1970s and reveals details of the treatment arranged for him by the church   Oliver Milman Thursday 28 May 2015

….Pell, who is now a senior cleric at the Vatican, was an assistant priest in Ballarat from 1973 to 1983.
Paedophile Gerald Ridsdale says he did not tell George Pell about his child abuse

Ridsdale was a Catholic priest who lived in the St Alipius presbytery in Ballarat, a building that had two bedrooms on the top floor. Ridsdale was convicted of committing more than 140 sexual assaults against children as young as four over three decades until the 1980s.

The extent of the Catholic church’s desire to move Ridsdale to other parishes rather than report him to the police was further detailed in the Thursday hearing.

Despite three senior clerics being made aware of Ridsdale’s offending in Mortlake in the 1970s, he was moved to an administrative position in Sydney. Ridsdale told the hearing over a video link from prison that a boy from a prayer group stayed with him during this time.

Ridsdale was then moved to Horsham in Victoria, where he was an assistant priest from 1986 to 1988 and where he committed further offences….
http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/may/28/paedophile-gerald-ridsdale-admits-another-priest-may-have-seen-abuse

Fran’s Day Care
May 20, 2015 case update:
State’s highest criminal court throws out 1992 convictions of sexual assault at Austin day care.
Court declines, however, to find Dan and Fran Keller innocent in case involving claims of satanic abuse.
https://ritualabuse.us/ritualabuse/articles/frans-day-care/

Josh Duggar – 19 Kids And Counting, satanic rape trial delay, Melbourne rapist jailed for torture, Fran’s Day Care/Keller Case, Priest convicted more than 100 charges of sexual abuse

– More Advertisers Drop ’19 Kids And Counting’ In Wake Of Child Molestation Scandal
– Broken copiers delay ‘satanic rape’ trial
– Violent Melbourne rapist jailed for torture of Dutch backpacker, 21, he kept as sex slave for six weeks

– Fran’s Day Care/Keller Case
throws out 1992 convictions, court declines to find innocence in case

– I was abused as a child: disgraced priest Gerald Ridsdale gives evidence at sex abuse royal commission in Ballarat
convicted of more than 100 charges of sexual abuse
says he worked with no restrictions at any of the parishes he was moved to amid numerous abuse allegations.

More Advertisers Drop ’19 Kids And Counting’ In Wake Of Child Molestation Scandal (UPDATE)
The Huffington Post  By Stephanie Marcus 05/27/2015

UPDATE: On Wednesday, TMZ reported that Walgreens, Jimmy Dean, Pure Leaf Iced Tea, Ace Hardware, David’s Bridal, ConAgra Foods, Party City and Behr have all removed their ads from the show, while CVS, H&R Block, Ricola and Keurig all said they have no plans of advertising with the series should TLC decide to keep “19 Kids and Counting” on the air.

EARLIER: It’s been four days since Josh Duggar confirmed tabloid reports that he was investigated for child molestation. Since then, TLC has merely temporarily pulled his family’s reality show “19 Kids and Counting” from its schedule.

As backlash against the family continues to grow, TMZ reports that more advertisers have pulled their ads from the show. Following the lead of General Mills last week, Payless ShoeSource and Choice Hotels confirmed to TMZ that they will not be running ads during the reality series, should it air….
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/26/advertisers-drop-19-kids-and-counting_n_7444344.html

Broken copiers delay ‘satanic rape’ trial
May 26 2015 By Shain Germaner

A boy was raped allegedly in a “satanic ritual “at the Full Gospel Church of God in Witfield, Boksburg.
Johannesburg – The court proceedings of four people including a pastor, accused of raping a child in an alleged satanic ritual, has been postponed because of a pair of broken photocopiers.

The child’s paternal grandparents, uncle and the 54-year-old pastor were arrested in February after an SAPS Occult Related Crimes Unit investigation.

Police suspect the group brought the then 7-year-old to the Full Gospel Church of God in Witfield, Boksburg, some time in 2013. The four – clad in robes and chanting – allegedly forced the boy to fondle their genitals before the uncle raped the child….
http://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-courts/broken-copiers-delay-satanic-rape-trial-1.1863379

Violent Melbourne rapist jailed for torture of Dutch backpacker, 21, he kept as sex slave for six weeks
Lucy Clarke-Billings Tuesday 26 May 2015

A sadistic drug addict who kept a Dutch backpacker captive in a hotel room where he violently raped and beat her has been jailed for 17 years.

Alfio Anthony Granata carved a cross into the forehead of his victim, then 21, with a knife and told her she was marked for death during the six week ordeal in a Melbourne hotel room in 2012.

The 47-year-old pleaded guilty to nine counts of rape and charges of theft, threats to kill and intentionally causing serious injury that left his victim with 54 bruises and abrasions….

Granata conducted a ritual that involved putting a photograph of the victim into an envelope along with her hair, nail clippings and blood, telling her the act symbolised her being no more….
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/violent-melbourne-rapist-jailed-for-torture-of-dutch-backpacker-21-he-kept-as-sex-slave-for-six-weeks-10275254.html

Fran’s Day Care/Keller Case
State’s highest criminal court throws out 1992 convictions of sexual assault at Austin day care.
Court declines, however, to find Dan and Fran Keller innocent in case involving claims of satanic abuse.

A unanimous Court of Criminal Appeals instead overturned their convictions based on false testimony by an emergency room doctor whose hospital examination had provided the only physical evidence of sexual assault during the Kellers’ joint trial. Dr. Michael Mouw later admitted that inexperience led him to misidentify normally occurring conditions as evidence of sexual abuse in a 3-year-old girl.

The nine judges did not provide an explanation for why they rejected the Kellers’ innocence claim except to say their decision was based on the findings of the trial judge “and this court’s independent review of the record.”  However, in a concurring opinion, Judge Cheryl Johnson said she would have found both Kellers innocent….
(Quotes above from Austin-American Statesman news article.)
https://ritualabuse.us/ritualabuse/articles/frans-day-care/

I was abused as a child: disgraced priest Gerald Ridsdale gives evidence at sex abuse royal commission in Ballarat
May 28, 2015 Jane Lee and Rania Spooner

A paedophile priest who was convicted of more than 100 charges of sexual abuse against children over about 30 years began offending before he was ordained and says he worked with no restrictions at any of the parishes he was moved to amid numerous abuse allegations.

Gerald Ridsdale, 81, told a royal commission on Wednesday he had spent his life feeling “uncomfortable” around adults, keeping secrets and in fear of being discovered as a paedophile. He also said he had been sexually abused as a child himself, and had had a three-year relationship while in prison.

The first time he abused a child was at a camp for disadvantaged children while he was still in training to become a priest at a seminary in Werribee.

Within a year of his ordination in 1961, the Catholic Church received its first complaint about Ridsdale abusing children. Then-Bishop James O’Collins threatened to send Ridsdale “off the mission” if he offended again, which meant he would no longer work as a priest.

Ms Furness asked if this threat played on his mind as he moved to different parishes and abused children. Ridsdale, who was also abused by a cousin and an uncle when he was younger than 12, said: “It could have.”

He repeatedly denied having to comply with certain conditions when he was moved to different parishes, despite parishioners’ complaints of his abusive behaviour.

“I’ve never had any restrictions or conditions put on me,” he said….
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/i-was-abused-as-a-child-disgraced-priest-gerald-ridsdale-gives-evidence-at-sex-abuse-royal-commission-in-ballarat-20150527-ghai91.html

Josh Duggar Records Destroyed By Arkansas Police At Judge’s Request, Online Commenter Warned About Josh Duggar Molestation Accusations 8 Years Ago, Springdale Police Department – Official Report – Josh Duggar

Josh Duggar Records Destroyed By Arkansas Police At Judge’s Request            
The Huffington Post    By Hilary Hanson Posted: 05/23/2015
Police in Arkansas have destroyed records detailing the investigation into sexual abuse allegations against TLC’s “19 Kids and Counting” star Josh Duggar.

“The judge ordered us yesterday to expunge that record,” Springdale Police spokesman Scott Lewis told The Associated Press on Friday. “As far as the Springdale Police Department is concerned this report doesn’t exist.”

Lewis also told the AP that these types of records are usually kept indefinitely.

A 2006 police report, which was obtained by In Touch before its destruction, indicates that family patriarch Jim Bob Duggar knew as early as 2002 that Josh Duggar — who was 14 at the time — was accused of sexually abusing an underage girl. The teen was ultimately accused of inappropriately touching five underage girls, some of whom were his sisters, between 2002 and 2003.

Police did not find out about the allegations until 2006, when they were tipped off to a letter discussing the incidents, the AP reports. A family friend had lent another person a book, and the letter was stuck inside.

The police report obtained by In Touch indicates Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar told police in 2006 that they had disciplined their son themselves.

The couple allegedly said that they sent Josh Duggar to a “Christian program” that “consisted of physical hard work and counseling.” Michelle Duggar later admitted that they actually just sent him to live with a family friend to help with a home remodeling business, according to In Touch….

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/23/josh-duggars-record-destroyed-police_n_7428762.html

Online Commenter Warned About Josh Duggar Molestation Accusations 8 Years Ago
By Michele Corriston 05/24/2015

When allegations that 19 Kids and Counting star Josh Duggar molested five young girls resurfaced this week, fans of the TLC reality show were shocked. To the millions of viewers who’ve tuned in each week, the Duggars personified family values, from their strict rules about modesty to their dedication to religion.

The illusion was shattered Thursday, when Josh, 27, admitted he “acted inexcusably” as a teenager. But rumors of former Christian lobbyist’s past are nothing new: They first surfaced online eight years ago. As Gawker’s Defamer points out, a commenter called “Alice” recounted the allegations on a blog, ibiblio.org, in May 2007. Other sites such as FreeJinger.org have long cited Alice’s comments.

Eight years ago, Alice gave a thorough and detailed account of events that are nearly identical to those outlined in the police report that became public this week:

“In January, the whole family went to Chicago and taped Oprah Winfrey show… As you may have noticed, that show never aired and it never will,” Alice posted before delivering the bombshell that The Oprah Winfrey Show staffers had been told that Josh had molested five minor girls. Alice then wrote, “Yes, this is the truth … They have been investigated to some length…”
http://www.people.com/article/online-commenter-warned-josh-duggar-molestation

Duggars Used Homeschool Program Devised By Accused Sex Abuser, The Duggars’ dangerous cult of purity, Now what for the Duggars?

Duggars Used Homeschool Program Devised By Accused Sex Abuser   May 22, 2015

The Duggars followed a homeschooling program by the Advanced Training Institute, headed by accused sex abuser Bill Gothard.

Gothard last year denied accusations that he had sexually harassed or assaulted 34(!) women, claiming “I have never kissed a girl nor have I touched a girl immorally or with sexual intent.” He was 79 years old at the time.

Although Gothard was forced to resign as the head of the Advanced Training Institute due to the accusations, the Duggars apparently still follow the organization’s teaching plans, which include lessons on how to deal with sexual abuse in the home….

“Lessons From Moral Failures in a Family,” which describes a hypothetical scenario in which parents discover that “an older brother was guilty of sexually abusing younger ones in his family.” When the older brother had “repented,” he’s asked a series of questions—including “What teaching could have been given to each child to resist evil?” and “What factors in the home contributed to immodesty and temptation?”

….…the lessons are frighteningly light on personal responsibility, and heavy on blame for the victim—condemning younger sisters for dressing “immodestly,” and parents for exposing the boy to temptation by having him change his sisters’ diapers….
http://radio.foxnews.com/2015/05/22/duggars-used-homeschool-program-devised-by-accused-sex-abuser/

The Duggars’ dangerous cult of purity
By Alexandra Petri May 22, 2015

….The Duggars built their brand on a slavish dedication to ideals of modesty and purity, keeping their children away from Unwholesome Influences, even to the point of shouting “Nike!” when the family was out for a walk in the presence of a woman who was immodestly attired, in order to get them to stare at their shoes. Women must be “modest” and “godly” and pure to attract a godly man. This is where their value lies. Chaperones! Courtship! Side-hugs only! Even hand-holding is off the table.

The revelation of Josh Duggar’s molestation allegations is about more than hypocrisy. This is no occasion for glee. This is a reminder of how badly the cult of purity lets victims down.

“Once you open the door to being alone and enter into a physical relationship before marriage (kissing, touching, physical intimacy), you are allowing your partner to unwrap a precious, special gift that God intended you to hold on to until your wedding day, and you’re also creating a lot of guilt and distrust, and you won’t be able to fully enjoy the pleasure of the sin because of all the guilt it brings.”
–the eldest four Duggar daughters in “Growing Up Duggar: It’s All About Relationships”

….Patheos blogger Libby Anne writes, “Handling child molestation as ‘sin’ rather than addressing the psychology behind it is a serious problem. In their statements to People, the Duggars spoke of Josh’s past wrongdoing as ‘past teenage mistakes’ and spoke of growing closer to God through it. But it appears that Josh never had legitimate counseling or treatment to work through his problem. Some sexual things are normal for a teen to do — say, masturbating — but other sexual things are not typical behavior — say, molesting children — and those things need to be addressed professionally rather than simply as ‘sin’ issues. Failing to do so places other children at risk.”

….The behavior alleged was a crime, not a sin. The account of what happened and how it was handled — failing to report the incidents promptly to authorities? No consequences besides a stern talk from a cop and a few months of remodeling a house with a family friend? The whole thing shoved under the rug? – is painful to read.

Now the Duggars are off the air. But we need to start pushing back against these ideas, too. There is a line between normal and harmful forms of exploration. You are more than your purity….
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/compost/wp/2015/05/22/the-duggars-dangerous-cult-of-purity

Now what for the Duggars?
Maria Puente, USA TODAY May 22, 2015

Will they or won’t they?

It’s an open question as to whether the TLC network will keep the damaged Duggar family’s show, 19 Kids and Counting, on the air now that eldest son Josh has admitted he was accused of molesting underage girls as a teenager. And, his pious parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, admitted they knew about it and worked to ensure he was never charged.

TLC is not talking about its long-term plans. But the network confirmed Friday it has pulled reruns of the show from its schedule and is considering what to do about it going forward. The show is not currently in production….

But the cable network has been through this sort of scandal before involving one of their wacky reality shows: Remember Here Comes Honey Boo Boo?

Mama June Shannon sure does. She’s Honey Boo Boo’s over-the-top mom, and her family’s “redneck reality” show on TLC was canceled in October in the wake of reports by TMZ and others that Shannon was dating a man once convicted of child molestation….

On Friday, she was fuming to TMZ that she wants to sue TLC about unfair treatment, since — so far — the Duggars still have a show, even though, she believes, the parents covered up Josh Duggar’s confession to groping five girls 12 years ago in Springdale, Ark….

Hurriedly, he resigned from his job at the conservative Family Research Council in Washington,D.C., where he was a lobbyist fighting against gay rights and same-sex marriage. The FRC posted a statement saying his effectiveness as an advocate had been undermined.

His parents, who have become conservative icons and reality stars as their children and grandchildren have multiplied, apologized, too, without getting into details….
http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2015/05/22/-happens–duggars-reality-show-now/27773707/

 

Josh Duggar ‘was subject of molestation claims in 2005 and was turned in by his father Jim Bob’

Josh Duggar ‘was subject of molestation claims in 2005 and was turned in by his father Jim Bob’

A new report claims that 19 Kids and Counting star Josh Duggar was named in an underage sexual abuse probe
Jim Bob Duggar allegedly turned his son in to Arkansas State Police after ‘he caught him leaving a young girl’s bedroom and learned something inappropriate happened’
The trooper who took the report in 2005 never followed up with Josh, and then was arrested himself and ‘convicted on child pornography charges’
Crimes Against Children Division later involved themselves in the case but by then the statue of limitations had passed
By Chris Spargo For Dailymail.com 19 May 2015

….The state trooper who took the report in 2005 however never followed up with Josh, and then was arrested himself and ‘convicted on child pornography charges.’

He is serving 56 years in prison. In the wake of the trooper’s arrest, someone in the police department reportedly contacted the Child Abuse Hotline, leading to Crimes Against Children Division and Springdale Police Department involving themselves in the case.

At that point however, the statute of limitations had passed….
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3088407/Josh-Duggar-subject-molestation-claims-2005-turned-father-Jim-Bob.html