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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

I'm not surprised by the report into 'failings' by the police in child abuse investigations ..

The BBC have reported on a newly published report by the Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) which accuses the Police in England and Wales of failing to carry out effective investigations into allegations of child abuse and neglect. The report focuses on in excess of 500 cases across eight forces where there was an ‘inadequate’ response in 220 cases.

I appeared on the lunch time BBC news programme to discuss my thoughts.

To read the full article click here

Welcome news that Lord Janner will face charges of historic child abuse

Child abuse lawyer Peter Garsden has welcomed the decision of an independent QC who has overruled the original decision of Alison Saunders, the Director of Public Prosecutions, not to charge Lord Janner over claims of historical sex abuse because of his dementia.

 

To read Peter's comments click through to abuselaw.co.uk