Study examines the value of sexual assault helplines

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have conducted a study concerning the use and effectiveness of sexual assault helplines.   The results of the study identify the important need for training in immediate and long-term effects of sexual assault.

According to the study, In the US alone there are more than 1,000 crisis hotline links yet, despite their widespread use, much remains unknown about their usefulness.

Click here to read the full article.

Ex-priest Jailed For Historic Child Sex Abuse

The Law Of… following up on historic abuse

A former Catholic priest and children’s home worker has been sentenced to 12 years in jail for historic child sex abuse dating back to the 1970s.

Responding to the details of the case, Peter Garsden – Head of Abuse Claims at Simpson Millar LLP – explains the importance on following up on historic abuse allegations.


Click here to read the full article.

Professor Alexis Jay Appointed As New Chair Of Abuse Inquiry

Following the shock resignation of Dame Lowell Goddard from her position as Chair of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), Professor Alexis Jay has been appointed as the fourth Chairwoman of the abuse inquiry.

Responding to the appointment, and explaining how survivors of abuse may respond to the announcement of the new Chair, is Peter Garsden – Head of Abuse Claims.

Click here to read the full article. 

Goddard resigns from Abuse Enquiry – why?

The shock news as Peter writes this blog is that Lol Goddard, the New Zealand judge in charge of the abuse inquiry has resigned from her post in charge of the IICSA (Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse) some 15 months after she was appointed. She was, of course, the third chairperson after Baroness Butler Sloss who lasted a matter of a week, and Dame Fiona Woolf who resigned after criticism.

In the early days, the Inquiry was heavily criticised by survivors and the public alike due to the leader being connected with establishment figures of various types. It was also criticised for taking on a huge burden of investigation, which would mean its duration would last for many years.

Click here to read the full article.

Allegations of child abuse are ‘inaccurate’ says Janner’s daughter

Marion Janner, daughter of the late Greville Janner, has said in a television interview that she has “never” questioned her father’s innocence and is “absolutely” convinced his name will be cleared.

Child abuse allegations

Allegations of child abuse by the late Lord Janner of Braunstone, QC, first emerged publicly in 1991; however, it was deemed that there was not enough evidence to proceed with a charge. Another investigation in 2002 did not result in a charge, as the Crown Prosecution Service did not receive relevant documents. A third criminal challenge came in 2007, when it was again deemed that there was not enough evidence to press charges.

Click here to read the full article.

Secret filming case highlights risks new technology poses to children

A Head Teacher in Bristol has admitted to using a spy pen to film pupils and staff in the toilets of a primary school, prompting concerns over child safety.

Examining the implications, and highlighting the safeguarding dangers caused by improved technology, Child Abuse Lawyer Peter Garsden explains the law surrounding the case.

Click here to read the full article. 

Teenage Girls Jailed For Kidnapping Toddler

In a harrowing case of child abduction, 2 teenage girls, aged 13 and 14, pleaded guilty to kidnapping a toddler from Primark in Newcastle and have been sentenced to 3 years and 3 months in custody.

The girls’ lawyer claimed that their actions were influenced by an older, unnamed man, who convinced them kidnap the toddler.

Click here to read the full article.

Sir Clement Freud alleged sex abuse

Prior to a new documentary which airs on Wednesday 15^th June, the BBC has reported allegations of abuse against the late broadcaster and MP Sir Clement Freud between the late 1940s and 1970s.

One of the alleged victims, Sylvia Woosley, who first met Freud when she was 10 told the ITV Exposure programme that he abused her for years.  A second anonymous woman, claimed he abused her as a child and raped her when she was 18.
To read more click here.

Leading Law Firm Specialising in Representing Victims of Child Abuse joins Simpson Millar LLP

Law firm Abney Garsden, one of the largest practices dedicated to claims by survivors of abuse, is to be incorporated into Simpson Millar.

Peter Garsden, who founded the firm in 1985, said: ‘This is a very exciting time for us and with the support of Simpson Millar we can add even more value to our clients and have even further added security for the important work we do, especially abuse cases...

 To read more click here.

Bring back Indeterminate Sentences for sex offenders

For some years Peter has campaigned for a sentence for sex offenders, which meant they could not be released until they could prove they didn’t represent a danger to the community, and had addressed to the satisfaction of experts, their offending behaviour.

 The length of the life sentence imposed by His Honour Judge Peter Rook QC means that Richard Huckle may be released in 23 years’ time i.e. when he is 53 years of age because of the minimum life term ordered.

 To read more click here.

Was Stephen Fry right to criticise victims of abuse?

Peter was on LBC Radio this morning giving his views on Stephen Fry’s comments about the victims of abuse, more particularly rape, when he told them that they didn’t have his sympathy if they were self piteous, and ought to grow up.

Fry's remarks came at the end of a 10 minute interview on the American based Rubin Show.

The read the full blog click here

Was the 6 year sentence given to Adam Johnson too long or not?

Yesterday at Bradford Crown Court Judge Jonathon Rose imposed a sentence of 6 years imprisonment upon Adam Johnson, the famous Sunderland Football Player for offences of grooming, and sexual activity with a 15 year old girl, who was previously a devoted fan of his. The question is, was the sentence appropriate to the crime?

To read the full blog click here

Should the Met Police resign over Operation Midland according to Proctor?

Harvey Proctor has called for the resignation of several officers from Operation Midland upon being told that no charges will be brought against him. His statement repeats and adds to the press conference that he authored some time ago, which I have blogged about here.

The Metropolitan police have also said that Operation Midland has been closed without any charges being brought against any of the former politicians, military officers or government officials said to be involved, after a 16-month inquiry involving 31 detectives.

Read more here.

Goddard considers next steps in Janner abuse investigation

The first preliminary hearing held by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) took place on 9th March at the Royal Courts of Justice in London. It marks the start of public hearings in the Inquiry’s 13 investigations. Its purpose was to consider the next steps in the investigation into institutional responses to allegations of child sexual abuse relating to the politician Lord Greville Janner.
The public bodies under scrutiny in the Janner inquiry include the Crown Prosecution Service, Leicestershire police, Leicestershire county council, a number of care homes, the Labour party and the Home Office.

To read the full blog click here. 

Will victims of Janner have to give sexual abuse evidence in public? Goddard will decide on Wednesday.

The opening Lord Greville Janner hearing of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) (“the Goddard Inquiry”), will open tomorrow and hear arguments about:-

1. Submissions on scope of the investigation; 
2. Broadcast of proceedings; 
3. Timetable for further hearings and applications for anonymity 
4. Applications from those designated as Core Participants. 

To read the full blog click here

BBC Savile Report shows the need for Mandatory Reporting

The publication of the report of the Dame Janet Smith Jimmy Savile Report into the abuse committed by him at the BBC, the themes have dealt with many issues but the newspapers have highlighted 2 themes.

 Visit http://www.abuselaw.co.uk/news/peter-garsden-blog/bbc-savile-report-will-show-the-need-for-mandatory-reporting/ to read more.

Was "Spotlight" the abuse film "dark"or "light and inspirational"?

Scene from Spotlight

My usual criticism of any form of entertainment about the subject of child abuse often complains that the subject was so dark that one felt depressed rather than enlightened or inspired.

This film made me feel differently.  You can read my review by clicking through to www.abuselaw.co.uk.

Can the Met Police be criticised for “believing” an abuse victim?

Sir Bernard Hogan Howe stood up very well to John Humphrys’ cross examination this morning on the Today Programme on Radio 4. He was defending the way in which the Met Police had conducted the investigation of serious sexual abuse allegations as part of Operation Midland.

Peter has been concerned for some time now that the child abuse pendulum is starting to swing against the victims and in favour of the alleged abusers. 

To read more click here.