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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Syracuse Diocese Sets Bankruptcy Deadline For Survivors
A deadline was set for victims filing sex abuse claims against the Syracuse Diocese. Victims must file a claim by April 15, 2021, to receive compensation.
Year In Review 2020 | Child Sexual Abuse Legislation Updates
In 2020, many states passed or proposed bills to expand the rights of child sex abuse survivors. Although some bills failed, lawmakers continue to fight for victims.
Paris Hilton Protests Boarding School Abuse
After revealing she was abused at a boarding school for troubled teens, reality TV star Paris Hilton is advocating for the school’s closure.
New Colorado Report Identifies More Abusive Catholic Priests
A 22-month investigation found nine additional Catholic priests who sexually abused children in Colorado and 46 more victims.
Columbus Diocese Pays $1M Settlement To Abuse Survivor
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Columbus is paying $1 million to a survivor who was sexually abused at St. Charles Preparatory School.
OSU Agrees To $5.8M Settlement For Sexual Abuse Survivors
Ohio State University will pay a second settlement to 23 abuse survivors by Dr. Richard Strauss. OSU is accused of ignoring abuse by the doctor for decades.