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HELP! I need your support!

110 replies

DottyDooRidesAgain · 05/07/2014 01:09

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 Smile

OP posts:
DottyDooRidesAgain · 05/07/2014 10:13

Thank you Iona Grin

OP posts:
IonaMumsnet · 05/07/2014 10:11

Thanks all, for adding your thoughts on this idea. Just a quick note to say we are seeing all the replies and will pass them on to the relevant people at MNHQ.

wafflyversatile · 05/07/2014 10:11

Other advantages of having 'best practice' laid out clearly by a police expert is that 1. when someone starts a thread we can refer them to it rather than give advice based on what we assume or have experienced personally, which may not be universal and 2. it may support the victim in being able to ask the police they are actually dealing with (whose treatment of the case will vary from force to force and officer to officer) for appropriate action/support or spot if something that should be being done isn't.

YeGodsAndLittleFishes · 05/07/2014 10:05

Brilliant idea. I was just thinking how the Rolf Harris light sentencing might put people off (I know, other end of the process, but it would be really good to have some weight on the other side of how this lioks, iyswim.)

I've heard there are changes afoot as to how victims are treated by the police and the courts and it would be good to make the proper procedure and victim's rights (and what to do if not treated properly, where to get additional help and support etc) well known.

DottyDooRidesAgain · 05/07/2014 10:05

That would be great waffly I am a big believer in knowledge and the power it has. Maybe MNHQ could make them stickys (is that the correct term) for a while?

OP posts:
DottyDooRidesAgain · 05/07/2014 10:03

Thank you everyone who has added their support. Smile

OP posts:
wafflyversatile · 05/07/2014 10:02

I'm in favour of this.

You could have a DV reporting unit blog post, a rape reporting blog post and a child abuse reporting blog post, maybe?

ghostisonthecanvas · 05/07/2014 10:02

Good idea

TheRealAmandaClarke · 05/07/2014 09:59

That seems like a good idea.

LittleBallOfFur · 05/07/2014 09:59

Good idea

FunkyBoldRibena · 05/07/2014 09:59

Yes absolutely.

beccajoh · 05/07/2014 09:58

Good idea

UnrelatedToElephants · 05/07/2014 09:57

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.

autumnboys · 05/07/2014 09:57

Good idea.

TooMuchFuckingPerspective · 05/07/2014 09:56

Excellent idea!

liz5029 · 05/07/2014 09:55

This is a great idea I hope it happens

pillowaddict · 05/07/2014 09:55

Great idea

KurriKurri · 05/07/2014 09:54

Excellent idea - I definitely support this.

SetPhasersTaeMalkie · 05/07/2014 09:52

I would support this too. Good idea dotty.

DottyDooRidesAgain · 05/07/2014 09:50

Thank you for your support everyone Smile

OP posts:
MrsWickens · 05/07/2014 09:49

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

DottyDooRidesAgain · 05/07/2014 09:48

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.

OP posts:
CarbeDiem · 05/07/2014 09:46

Adding my support, it's a good idea.

CuntCourtIsInSession · 05/07/2014 09:42

A very good idea, I would really support this.

Icimoi · 05/07/2014 09:42

Seems a very good idea to me