I wanted to share my story with you all in hope that some of you may wish to support this cause. Here's my page Positive Changes For Abuse Victims but most importantly here's the PETITION
In February 2011 my world came crashing down when I was told that my stepdaughter (who has lived with me and her dad from the age of 3) had been sexually abused by her mothers ex-husband from as young as 3 until he left his wife when my daughter was 11. I can't begin to describe what my daughter, me and my family went through in the months that followed but it's fair to say it was hell.
At the time of the disclosure we phoned the police, they video interviewed my daughter and started their investigation. The perpetrator was arrested, charged with 16 counts relating to the abuse, and bailed.
18 long months later we went to court and after 3 days of anxious waiting we were told that the trial was to be adjourned because the defence barrister said there was information missing from his statement.
4 months later we were back in court. One week before my daughter's 17th birthday. She gave evidence via video link- she was cross examined by the defence barrister who suggested she was lying. She was so incredibly brave and yet she was made to feel like she was in the wrong. Due to it being her word against his the jury could not convict. The perpetrator now thinks they decided he is innocent rather than there being a tiny doubt due to lack of evidence.
I have had to watch my daughter go through the darkest time of her life; suffering from anxiety, depression, panic attacks and self harming. We couldn't access therapy for her when she needed it the most because it could've been used against her during the trial by the defence… and all this was for nothing. I cannot tell you how hard it was for me when she told me that she wishes she'd never told, and that she'd never advise someone who has gone through a similar experience to tell.
The aim my page and petition (links above) is to request a debate by the House of Commons regarding an overhaul of the court process and investigation into the impact and treatment of victims during child sexual abuse cases.
As a social worker, I see only too often the devastation that unresolved issues
caused by sexual abuse causes; alcohol dependency, substance misuse, self-harming, inappropriate and self-destructive relationships. I want to take steps to ensure the government and the justice system support these individuals rather than add to their problems.
100,000 signatures is a lot, there’s no denying that, but it is achievable. Every signature and every share of the petition is a move closer to the target. I am looking into other ways or publicising the cause and if anyone has
any ideas, however small, I’d be incredible grateful if you could message me.
Thank you so much for reading and signing.
Please or to access all these features
Please
or
to access all these features
Petitions and activism
Sexual abuse victims need our help
16 replies
clairecoo · 10/05/2013 10:52
OP posts:
MaggieMaggieMaggieMcGill ·
11/06/2013 16:07
scabies she is unlikely to have started the peitition/thread without discussing it first. 
Flowersandfaff ·
11/06/2013 23:07
I signed this ages ago, just bumping for the night time crowd!
It's a hugely worthy cause, I hope that if it gets enough signatures and can be considered, it will at least raise the profile of the victims of sex crimes, particularly children.
I can't help but feel there is something intrinsically wrong with our justice system when conviction rates are so low.
Please create an account
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.