This one seems to be a interesting shelter.
repost: Bethany House of Northern Virginia allegat
Posted By: bm4416
Date: Thursday, 20 May 2004, at 9:47 p.m.
Abuse allegations involving Bethany House Social workers.
Want the Complete Picture? If you have read or heard stories about Sexual and emotional abuse at Bethany House of Northern Virginia, the shelter or its management or associates involved in a abuse scandal, or a story about Bethany House being a divorce shop, and want to be sure you know the complete story, check out "For the record" on the website at the following url. You might be surprised what you learn when all the information is available.
Sexual, psychological, and emotional abuse is unconscionable and inexcusable, and even one case is too many, That said, the number of such cases at Bethany House should be put into context. The allegations cover over a period of 8 years and include any allegations, regardless of merit or credibility. More than 500 social workers, associates, volunteers have served the Bethany House since 1980, and allegations have been reported less than a hand full of times, of these most of them have been unsubstantiated. The one incident where a resident committed suicide was not due to sexual abuse, although she was a client of attorney Robert Machen going through a bitter divorce, She did not report sexual abuse. No one suspected any abuse in that particular case. The rate of abuse reported is in line with the incidence rate among society in general. >>>>>
Despite the transgressions of a few, however, the overwhelming majority of social workers, and associates have faithfully served residents and lived a life of dedicated service to the shelter and have earned and deserve the support of the community.
Ms. Veronica and Ms. Liang were let go as house managers because of misconduct, misappropriation of Bethany House funds and complaints of inappropriate sexual advances against the shelter residents. Hence they have a motive and a axe to grind against Bethany House.
Mr. Machen was told not to approach the shelter or to solicit business with the shelter after several residents complained about his sexual advances against shelter residents. The shelter does not seek his pro bono services anymore.
The reports published about Bethany House in some obscure publications by Mr. aBrahms is the first of its kind. Unfortunately, several copy cat publications at Men's rights website have exaggerated the report and published them with widely protracted allegations in print and on several websites.
Our records do indicate allegations of abuse against social workers and volunteers who served the Bethany House since 1980. These were investigated screened out or suspended. Although we cannot be sure what parameters the reporter used in determining his number, or from what sources, it is our understanding that he included any allegation brought to his attention against any social worker, volunteer, or attorney including those from outside the Bethany House, regardless of where the alleged incident occurred and including allegations other than sexual abuse. The Bethany House does not employ attorney Robert Machen and hence we are not directly responsible for any allegations brought against him with any law enforcement agencies. We do not seek his services and neither is he directly associated with us. Since the reported allegations we have completely disassociated with his law firm and do not recommend any Bethany House clients.
It would be inappropriate to speculate. However, we have asked the house manager of each of our shelter to encourage any witnesses or victims to bring any allegations of abuse to the Bethany House management's attention.
The safety and welfare of residents and their families remain first and foremost in the Bethany House policy on sexual, psychological or emotional abuse. To the best of our knowledge, no one against whom there is reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing - no matter when it may have occurred - is currently in active ministry at Bethany House. However, we urge residents to continue to come forward if they have been harmed or if they suspect questionable behavior from any social worker or Bethany House staff or volunteer; they may freely inform the law enforcement or contact the Bethany House office in confidence at 703-998-8811.
BHNV
Bethany House Virginia - A one stop divorce shop