Earlier this month, Stuart Dunnings, a Michigan county prosecutor, was charged with Hiring prostitutes and Neglecting his position. According to the article, "Dunnings stands accused of paying for sex hundreds of times with many women between 2010 and 2015". The most concerning accusation comes from an Ingham county resident who claims that when she came to Dunnings to report that she had been a victim of domestic violence instead of offering appropriate prosecution advice and guidance he offered to "help with her financial problems by paying her for sex". Dunnings, who has been an Ingham county prosecutor for 20 years, was arrested two weeks ago. For years there have been rumors about Dunnings prostitution use but there was never sufficient evidence.
(Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings)
EVE (ending violent encounter) a Lansing based non-profit sexual violence prevention group discussed the implication of the case. Erin Roberts, the executive director, says, "'It’s a combination of shock and distress and also the understanding that we know that these kinds of situations and these kinds of power differentials and the domestic and sexual violence that arise out of those kinds of situations happen every single day in every single community"'. Roberts expressed her satisfaction that the state and the county filed charges immediately and are taking full accountability for Prosecutor Dunning's actions.
I learned about this case form a friend who writes for Michigan Radio. Although it will probably never obtain national recognition I think it's still important to acknowledge that not all gendered violence takes the form of rape. This prosecutor took advantage of his position of power and victimized the women that came to him for his help and advice. All of the details of this case have not been released and I would not be surprised if more women came forward with stories of his neglect and abuse. Politicians and government officials are responsible not only for fulfilling the responsibilities of their position but also setting an example for the community. Stuart Dunnings has failed and disappointed on both counts.
You can find the article here: http://michiganradio.org/post/dunnings-prostitution-case-shocking-may-show-system-working#stream/0
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