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A single mum friend started dating a man who was accused of CSA

55 replies

BlessedKali · 31/03/2024 22:28

I initially posted this on AIBU, but I'd quite like the thought of some of the wise women who I have come to love and respect on this board.

If it wasn't for this board, I don't think I would have been able to ive the advice I did.

It's all bothering me as I havent got anyone IRL I can talk to about it.

Hi all,

A very good friend of mine is a single mum to a two year old girl. She met a man two months ago who she thinks is absolutely amazing, and has been really 'healing' since the very toxic father of her baby.

I went to see her recently and asked her about her new man. As we're good friends, we got straight into it, and she told me about this rather, in my eyes, RED FLAG.

So she tells me that he was accused by his brother and brother's wife of sexual assault of their daughter (his neice). There was a case, but he was never found guilty. Case was dropped, etc.

When my friend told me that I clapped my hand to my mouth and couldn't really hold back on a rather strong reaction. Think along of the lines of:

''oooohhh no!!! what a red flag!!! how could you ever trust him with your daughter... etc etc''

I didn't tell her what to do, or shame her in any way, but I did very strongly explain that this is a red flag and I wouldn't tak the risk with my child.

Now, she believes his story, for various reasons - like, they found no evidence on any of his tech devices, and the whole family is on his side (although she can only know this from his own word. Also the fact her told her almost straight away made her feel he was honest.

Claire's law can't be used, as he is from a euro country.

I think I've scared my friend and now she is very upset coming to terms with having to end what she thought was going to be a lovely relationship.

Was I wrong to have warned her so strongly? I'm kinda feeling bad to see her so upset.

I can't really discuss this with actual friends as it is confidential to her, so I'm asking mumsnet what they think.

OP posts:
Cosmosforbreakfast · 31/03/2024 22:53

You are a good friend OP, you were right to react the way you did and point out the danger to your friend's daughter. She put wanting a man before her daughter's safety, thank goodness she has you looking out for her. Once she's ended this relationship maybe have a further chat with her about predators seeking out single mothers and to run at the first signs of something off. Even though it was an accusation that went nowhere (according to him) she should have run for the hills immediately. She shouldn't have even considered taking a chance on him. Her daughter should always come first, no matter how much she wants a relationship.

RedToothBrush · 31/03/2024 22:52

How would you feel if she continued the relationship and something happened.

She's knows there's an issue. She can make a decision herself.

He is not the only man out there who will be interested in her.

You've done what a friend would do.

BlessedKali · 31/03/2024 22:46

Duckingella · 31/03/2024 22:37

She may be your friend but in the interests of her daughter I'd be reporting this situation to SS who can assess if your friends daughter is safe.

I won't be doing that as she has told me there is no way she can go forward with this any longer now that I have stirred this doubt up in her. I am awaiting to see if this is properly enacted.

I also wonder what would they even do considering this person is not british and has not been convicted.

OP posts:
Twoshoesnewshoes · 31/03/2024 22:44

I think your response was really authentic and appropriate. You may have saved them from an awful experience. Also she is an adult and will make her own decisions- you haven’t told her what to do.
it’s really important that you gave a view to balance out his potential manipulation.

Duckingella · 31/03/2024 22:37

She may be your friend but in the interests of her daughter I'd be reporting this situation to SS who can assess if your friends daughter is safe.