The number of online child-sexual abuse reports from West Virginia surged during the pandemic — about 1,791 tips were submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in 2021, roughly 50% more than in 2019.

Seeking to introduce a forensic interview is not an ancillary matter in child abuse prosecution. In many cases, it is the most critical, persuasive piece of evidence for the jury’s consideration. This guide will equip entry level prosecutors with an understanding of relevant admissibility law in their jurisdiction, and encourage seasoned prosecutors to take a fresh look at the several viable options for forensic interview admissibility.

David Pittman (A GRACE Safeguarding Specialist and Director of Together We Heal) and Robert Peters (Senior Attorney at Zero Abuse Project) discuss safety, the first key principle of trauma-informed care, from the perspective of abuse prevention and response within faith communities.

January 24, 2022

Offers a comprehensive guide for prosecutors and law enforcement on navigating the complexities of obtaining remotely stored data, both domestically and internationally. This article provides an overview of relevant laws, including the Stored Communications Act and the CLOUD Act, and offers practical guidance on obtaining and using digital evidence in criminal investigations.

November 2020 — Episode of Profiling Evil by Mike King, featuring Joseph Remy, Robert Peters, Timothy Saar, and Amber Higgins

In the 235th episode of the Keep Moving Forward Podcast, I interview Former Dancer, Basketball & Softball Player, and Family Advocate at Children’s Cove, Mel Sachs.

A child-welfare expert speaking to WBOY warned that reports of child abuse and exploitation on social media are rising — especially involving online grooming, exploitation and abuse by predators using social-media platforms.

Discusses the challenges of introducing digital evidence, the importance of due diligence, and the ongoing debate about encryption. The article also touches on finding qualified digital forensics experts and the legal issues surrounding geofence warrants and border searches.

The article is a quarterly legal roundup on Forensic Focus covering key issues in digital evidence and due diligence, including challenges with introducing digital evidence, how to find and qualify digital forensic experts, legal questions around geofence and border searches, encryption debates, and due diligence in civil and criminal contexts.

Discusses the challenges faced by digital forensics professionals due to the increasing volume and variety of digital evidence. This article explores the legal complexities surrounding digital evidence, including privacy concerns and the admissibility of screenshots and incomplete data.

Discusses how child abuse was increasing during the COVID-19 pandemic because children have less contact with mandated reporters. The article also details seven ways to help prevent child abuse.

OPEN Host Daren Jaime sits down with the Family Advocate at the Children's Cove in The Cape & Islands Child Advocacy Center, Melanie Sachs discussing victim advocacy and how advocates can support the victims of abuse.

Focuses on the 6th and 14th Amendments regarding chain of custody, authentication, discovery, the right to a speedy trial, and due-process concerns.

Considers search, seizure, and punishment implications for the 4th and 8th Amendments, as well as the right-to-counsel clause of the 6th Amendment.

May 2020 — BronxNet Open 2.0 interview with Robert Peters about Zero Abuse Project

The op-ed urges sustained attention to children’s needs during crises, arguing that gaps in child care, education, and state responses leave many West Virginia kids vulnerable and that community engagement and vigilance are essential. It highlights systemic challenges in child welfare and calls for informed action to protect well-being.

One of our most important podcasts. In this episode we give a crash course on child abuse and call listeners to simple steps of action to make homes a safe place for kids during these uncertain times.  Special guest is Robert J. Peters Esq., Senior Attorney with the Zero Abuse Project and the founder of the SHIELD Task Force.  This is a must-hear episode.

Many child protection professionals believe child abuse is likely to increase during the COVID-19 pandemic because most abusers are parents or siblings who now have more complete access to the child victim.

Addresses new challenges in protecting the law enforcement community during the COVID-19. This guide includes key recommendations for all law enforcement personnel, investigators, lab technicians, and executives.

This video training was created by NRCAC in collaboration with Western Regional Children's Advocacy Center as an orientation tool for both current and incoming MDT members. This training highlights the importance of victim advocates, what victim advocates do for children and families, and the role of the victim advocate on the MDT.