DONELAN LAW, LLC: A Victims' Rights Firm

Please make sure you take note of these changes for any cases that you've signed up to receive alerts on! Department of Public Safety

Curious about the Order of Protection process? The Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence put together this amazing, easy to read flowchart. The Coalition also notes that: "A court has the right under Section 455.035 RSMo to dismiss a petition if the allegations do not meet the legal requirements to grant an Order of Protection. If you need assistance obtaining an Order of Protection, you can discuss your options with our office at 417-242-6262.

While it's still important to seek legal assistance depending on your circumstances, this website offers survivors of abuse a wealth of information in easy-to-understand language. Women's Law

Did you know that dating violence is growing increasingly common even though dating apps/online dating? The National Network to End Domestic Violence created these graphics to inform you of what should be a red flag and how the abuse looks. 

 Such a landmark victory for minor victims and vindication for Trey's family, who have worked tirelessly to get this bill passed.  "Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed "Trey's Law," voiding non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in child sexual abuse cases. -The law is named after Trey Carlock, who died by suicide after being abused at Kanakuk Kamps and signing an NDA. -The law aims to prevent silencing victims and protecting institutions that enable abuse.  -Similar laws have been passed in Texas and Tennessee." Click for full article: Missouri Gov. Signs Trey's Law

  A huge 🎊congratulations🎊 to our fabulous legal assistant Monique Arroyo, who was recently selected for the 2025-2026 Public Policy Fellowship through the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI). During her time as a CHCI Fellow, Monique will move to Washington D.C. to work on Capitol Hill in congressional offices, gaining hands-on experience in the legislative process and contributing to public policy initiatives that impact marginalized communities.  We wish her all the best and can't wait to hear about all the important work she is doing in D.C.

  "CNN — The US House of Representatives on Monday passed the “Take It Down” Act, which aims to protect Americans from deepfake and revenge pornography. Lawmakers voted 409-2 to pass the bill – which boosts protections for victims of non-consensual sharing of sexual images, including content generated by artificial intelligence known as deepfake porn – and it will go to President Donald Trump’s desk for signature. First lady Melania Trump has thrown her support behind the effort, lobbying House lawmakers last month to pass the legislation, and the president is expected to sign the measure." CNN Article

  April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month The theme this year is "Prevention Demands Equity." Consider honoring victims of sexual assault by learning more. There are several virtual learning options hosted throughout the month, all are free resources. Sign up below for any of these free virtual trainings! 4/14, 6-8 pm EDT  Consent!/Power!/Consent! SAAM 23 · NSVRC (mobilize.us) 4/15, 7-7:30 pm CDT  History of sexual assault awareness movement · NSVRC (mobilize.us) 4/19, 12:15-1:15 pm CDT  Roots of Vulnerability: Understanding Sexual Violence and the Queer Community · NSVRC (mobilize.us) 4/20, 12-1:30 pm CDT  Virtual Healthy Boundaries & Consent for Healthy Relationships · NSVRC (mobilize.us) 4/22, 7-7:45 pm CDT  Effects of Sexual Assault and Victim blaming on mental health · NSVRC (mobilize.us)  

  Trauma-informed conversations can be difficult for everyone involved. This is a great article with several things to keep in mind when wading into hard conversations with survivors.  How to Have Trauma-Informed Conversations with Survivors of Domestic Violence – California Health Report (calhealthreport.org)

  MOCADSV has recently done an excellent job of summarizing the legislative changes agreed on during the last session. The Omnibus Bill was passed with support from both party lines and included were several changes pertaining to sexual assault.  Among these changes, highlights include:  *The Sexual Assault Survivors' Bill of Rights was edited to be more concise in presenting victims their rights and expectations from all parties involved.  *The "rape shield" law expanded to cover victims from being questioned on prior sexual activity throughout the entire judicial process of the assault proceedings. Before, this was just during the actual trial.  *Improvements to keeping victim contact information and other personal information like employer information out of trial proceedings for an increase in victim privacy.  *Changes will now allow video conference for civil court proceedings making legal proceedings potentially more comfortable for victims.  All...

  Meredith Osgood, Client Coordinator Donelan Law is thrilled to announce Meredith Osgood as the new Client Coordinator for the firm.   Meredith has a history of working hard to help others. With a career working and volunteering in non-profit organizations, Meredith has worked with both volunteers and those benefitting from agency services.  Working with others to accomplish goals while focusing on what matters most - helping others and instilling community - is what she does best. While at CASA of Southwest Missouri, Meredith found herself in and out of the court room in various supporting roles. She is looking forward to working for the clients at Donelan Law in a similar capacity. Meredith has a degree in Elementary Education from Missouri State University.  She  is a wife and mother, and is committed to do whatever she can to help those seeking out the legal representation from Donelan Law. 

Sarah is always excited to talk about the work Donelan Law is doing. Check out the article.  A Conversation With ... Sarah Donelan: Owner, Donelan Law LLC : SBJ interviews the owner of Donelan Law LLC.

A recent news article discusses the findings of a study showing women who have experienced sexual violence are more likely to develop disruptions  to blood flow in the brain.   The study found that women who experience sexual violence  might face more than the physical injuries sustained during the attack and other known mental health consequences like post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or depression. They may also have a higher risk of a certain type of brain disease that's a precursor for dementia and  stroke . This research has important implications for women's overall health and identifying early warning signs of stroke and dementia.  Women who have been sexually traumatized are encouraged to share this information with their health care providers.    

T oday, Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman and Maggie Nichols, gave gut-wrenching testimony during a Senate Judiciary hearing about the FBI’s complete failure in handling the Larry Nassar investigation.   According to the Washington Post , a t least 40 girls and women said they were molested after the FBI had been made aware of allegations against Nassar in 2015. McKayla Maroney said, “I think for so long all of us questioned, just because someone else wasn’t fully validating us, that we doubted what happened to us. And I think that makes the healing process take longer." While this case caught the world's attention, the troubling reality is that child sexual abuse victims in our community are too often ignored, discredited, and blamed when they report abuse or reach out for help from individuals and institutions.  Hearing these strong women speak out about how hard it was to come forward and the abhorrent response they received when they did speak up is heartbrea...

A common impediment to recovering money for victims of sexual abuse or other violent crimes is that a perpetrator may not have money or assets.     The Tort Victim Compensation Fund  (TVCF) was established in 1987 to provide compensation to individuals who have been injured but have been unable to collect on their personal injury or wrongful death judgments because the tortfeasor had no insurance coverage or other funds to pay the judgment.   The  TVCF is funded by punitive damage awards in civil case but it has been underfunded since its creation.   In the last few years, payouts have been only $0.34 to $0.44 on the dollar for a judgment and the total available in the fund each year has ranged from $2 million to $5 million.   T his year, however, after a $2.1 billion judgment against Johnson & Johnson became final, $480 million dollars from the punitive damages award was paid into this fund. This is an incredible opportunity for crime vic...