Virgie Townsend
Virgie Townsend is a legal writer based in Syracuse, New York. She received her bachelor’s degree in newspaper journalism, magna cum laude, from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, and her J.D. from the Syracuse University College of Law. During her time in law school, she served on the Travis H.D. Lewin Advocacy Honor Society’s Executive Board.
Ms. Townsend’s writing on abuse-related topics has been published in The New York Times, Washington Post, VICE, and other outlets. She is a bar-admitted attorney in Colorado. She is also an executive committee member on the board of directors for Vera House, a comprehensive domestic and sexual violence service agency in Syracuse.
Education
- Syracuse University (B.S., Magna Cum Laude)
- Syracuse University College of Law (J.D.)
Honors and Affiliations
- Contributing writer for national publications on abuse-related topics, including The New York Times and Washington Post
- Secretary, Vera House Board of Directors
Posts Authored By Virgie Townsend
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Mormon Church Sued For Ties To Boy Scouts Sex Abuse
Seven sex abuse victims filed lawsuits against the Morman Church. The lawsuits allege church officials failed to report abusive Boy Scout leaders to authorities.
Pittsburgh Diocese Pays $19.2 Million To Settle Clergy Abuse Claims
The Diocese of Pittsburgh has settled 224 sexual abuse claims for $19.2 million through its victim compensation fund.
Fall River Diocese Releases List Of Credibly Accused Clergy
Massachusetts’ Fall River Diocese released a list of priests with public accusations of child sex abuse. Three more names were added in December 2021.
Arizona Lawsuit Claims Mormon Church Failed To Report Child Sex Abuse
An Arizona lawsuit alleges leaders of the Mormon Church failed to report child sex abuse claims, allowing abuse of children to continue for years.
Chicago Archdiocese Priest Faces Two Child Abuse Allegations
Chicago Catholic priest Michael Pfleger is facing two allegations of child sex abuse. Both incidents of abuse allegedly occurred more than 40 years ago.
Florida Sex Abuse Victim Sues Catholic School And Diocese
A student was abused by a peer at a Florida Catholic school. School officials ignored her claims. She and her parents are suing the school.