HELP! I need your support!

[DottyDooRidesAgain]

I have copied and pasted my original post along with the reply from Amy.

A guest speaker/poster/professional?

I am part of a thread discussing historical/personal accounts of sexual abuse and rape.
A few posters have posted about their negative experiences with the police. Obviously this is distressing and should never have happened to them but it does concern me that somebody reading the thread may be put off reporting a sex crime to the police.
Most of the posters on that thread have cited reasons for not reporting and not being believed/badly treated by the police was one of them.

I wonder if it would be possible for MNHQ to have a sexual abuse/rape officer do a blog or Q & A session where the process of reporting a sex crime can be discussed along with how the victim can expect to be treated. I just feel this maybe be a positive step towards people feeling they can report a sex crime and that they will be treated with dignity and respect no matter if it was a stranger/lover/husband or family member.

If MNHQ have already covered this then I apologise, I'm relatively new to the site.

Many thanks



Add message | Report | Message poster
amyMumsnet France (MNHQ) Fri 04-Jul-14 17:24:27


Hi Dotty,

Starting a thread in site stuff is the best way to make a request. If it looks like there's a lot of interest in a certain guest then we'll do our best to get them to come along.


If you agree that this would be helpful and supportive can you please add your comments.

Many thanks

[GarlicJulyKit]

It's a great idea. There is still a staggering amount of ignorance about the law, and victim-blaming seems to be running rampant round Mumsnet. I think we can be better than that.

I know Vicarinatutu helps MNers off-board sometimes. I don't know whether she's specialised, but reckon she's worth a namecheck for all the support she gives to others :)

Probably someone from Rape Crisis or Rights Of Women would be a good choice.

[DottyDooRidesAgain]

Thank you for your support Garlic

[GarlicJulyKit]

Thank you for starting the thread, Dotty!

[GinAndSonic]

This is a great idea. Id also welcome a q&a with a representative from rape crisis about the support they offer etc.

[FatalCabbage]

Given the anecdotes on the big thread it would be useful to focus on how the police (etc) have changed their response to rape/assault reports and how they are trained.

I think I remember from another thread that police stations are meant to have rape specialists - obviously not right term but YKWIM. Knowing who to ask for and what they can do beyond their colleagues could help.

[DottyDooRidesAgain]

Thank you everyone. MNHQ have said if there is enough demand they will see what they can do. I will have to come up wit away to get peoples attention.

[Tapirbackrider]

It's a great idea, and long overdue IMO.

[LittlePeaPod]

Great idea.

[deakymom]

would it cover child sexual abuse where the parent needs to report concerns or just adult xx

[SagaNorensLeatherTrousers]

I have followed Dotty's clever trail and am here to show support!

[Icimoi]

Seems a very good idea to me

[CuntCourtIsInSession]

A very good idea, I would really support this.

[CarbeDiem]

Adding my support, it's a good idea.

[DottyDooRidesAgain]

Hi deaky Yes. I would like the person to have the full knowledge of sex crimes hence why I thought specialist police officer. That's why a Q & A maybe the best way.

[MrsWickens]

I would support this. Knowing in advance what to expect would be a help to most people I'm sure.

[DottyDooRidesAgain]

Thank you for your support everyone

[SetPhasersTaeMalkie]

I would support this too. Good idea dotty.

[KurriKurri]

Excellent idea - I definitely support this.

[pillowaddict]

Great idea

[liz5029]

This is a great idea I hope it happens

[TooMuchFuckingPerspective]

Excellent idea!

[autumnboys]

Good idea.

[UnrelatedToElephants]

Yes do it MNHQ. It totally fulfils your 'we believe you' initiative. It woukd be great if through this MN were able to empower/give back some control, to women in these circumstances.

[beccajoh]

Good idea

[FunkyBoldRibena]

Yes absolutely.