New grant increases mental health services to local schools

Childhood is romanticized as the most carefree time of one’s life. But anyone who endured bullying by classmates, or was raised with an alcoholic parent, or struggled to afford basic necessities, knows childhood has never been easy. There is widespread agreement that children’s lives have become more difficult with disruptions to education and family life […]

Local domestic, sexual violence rise during pandemic

For many, Gov. Roy Cooper’s stay-at-home order was a protective measure to keep the community safe from COVID-19. But for others, home isn’t safe: If someone is trapped in close quarters with an abuser, social distancing becomes incredibly dangerous. With no end to the pandemic in sight, local organizations are preparing for a rise in domestic and sexual violence despite their limited resources.

Protecting principals over children

A story in the Nov. 17 News and Observer, “N.C. shifts school crimes law,” makes me wonder if we have lost our collective minds in North Carolina (read the article at http://avl.mx/prot). Our legislators and governor signed into law the decriminalization of school principals reporting suspected crimes, including sex offenses. It should not only be […]

Males, war and PTSD

Our VOINCAs the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan grind on, another threat is growing here at home. And though it’s invisible, it has the same potential to spawn abuse, maiming and death. This threat targets the families and loved ones of untreated or poorly treated soldiers suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder and other emotional conditions […]