*trigger warning* what happens when a rapist is released?

[Dogsaresomucheasier]

Thankfully not mine, but I am aware, having googled the area before moving in, that a local was convicted. He is now due for release. Anyone know what happens, please? Will he be allowed to return to the local area or will he be set up in a “fresh start” somewhere?

Reporting of the case indicates that he’s, frankly, stupid enough to get convicted, (we know how disgracefully low the conviction rates for rape are,) one of my daughters has some notable similarities to the victim. I admit I’m a bit scared.

[Dogsaresomucheasier]

Nobody?

[Inthe60s]

You are very right to be concerned. If you look up rape and recidivism ... you will be! Rapists seldom have just one offence, it is a pattern of behaviour, that often escalates.

[Dogsaresomucheasier]

Thank-you, I’m aware I might sound a bit paranoid.

[NotanotherboxofFrogs]

Hugs to you Op, I'm watching this thread with interest sadly as the person who assaulted (tried to as above) me earlier this year was released with time served and 10 years on sex offenders register, he pleaded guilty so that helped. He is also my next door neighbour so when I go out the back door, it's less than 10 metres from his back door. I have been having panic attacks over the last few weeks. I feel like I have been given a sentence of my own.

[Dogsaresomucheasier]

And he’s been allowed to move back next door to you?! Huge hugs to you, too. That’s disgraceful!

No bloody wonder women don’t bother to report rape. I wonder how common this is? Mumsnet, do we need a new campaign?

[Howmanysleepsnow]

When mine was released they wrote to me beforehand and told me the process if I wanted to apply for a geographical injunction. No idea what would have happened if I’d applied- I didn’t as he’d got not guilty for me (guilty of sexual assault on someone else at same trial) and I couldn’t imagine it being granted given that, plus the course case was so horrendous I couldn’t cope with further proceedings.
But I suppose that means there’s a chance he could be relocated if victims successfully applied.

[bythebanksof]

OP, you are certainly not being paranoid (based on my experience). Some suggestions:

• Speak with the local police about your concern. Officially they are constrained by what they say, but the topic will be on their radar. Also, if you could get another friend/neighbour to also report concern to a DIFFERENT officer though.

• Plea. Did he plead guilty or non-guilty? Non-guilty pleas offenders more likely to re-offend. They sometimes do not recognise the seriousness of what they have done, etc.

• Treatment/Courses. Do you know if he received treatment or volunteered for courses? These are considered useful/helpful, and being an active participant means less trouble later. I'm not sure how you find this out officially in the UK (in Ireland the local detective would be able to get that information, but not share it with you officially)

• Case/victims. Was it a stranger rape? Or did he know the family/victim (most cases are like this)? Stranger rapist have modus operandi, there are similarities in their victims, they work in a restricted certain area/zone, they use the same methods ... this is getting a little bit in the paranoid space .... but being aware of that can be helpful

[BuffaloCauliflower]

I hate to tell you this, but there will be rapists everywhere you could live. Just because this area has one man who was convicted for it doesn’t really mean very much, most other areas will have rapists that weren’t convicted or perhaps were never even reported. Rape is not uncommon or unusual sadly. Your daughter is also more at risk of rape from her boyfriends and male friends and acquaintances than any stranger.

[Dogsaresomucheasier]

He wasn’t previously known to his victim, but they were guests at the same party, (she has written a blog about her experience in which he is named.)

[Dogsaresomucheasier]

Banks, that’s really constructive, thank-you.

[Dogsaresomucheasier]

Howmany, thank-you, too. Good to know there is something on offer and that you were contacted.

[bythebanksof]

For party/event type reports, the sad reality is that it is very rare that the prosecution goes ahead unless there is really compelling evidence.

The naming+blog (post conviction, post rejected appeal) is not unusual, and something we see a lot more of in the recent years. Having seen some of these types of cases up close, I'm always so impressed by the strength/determination/intelligence of the writers.

Obviously, I don't know the blog you refer too, but in relation to a case in Northern Ireland Winnie Li did something similar. Her blog is here: www.winniemli.com/

She is a very interesting writer, with valuable insights on sexual violence, subsequent investigations, etc.

[Dogsaresomucheasier]

It is certainly a powerful way to tell her story. I was impressed, too and the information she has shared is very useful, for women who end up living near him, perhaps dating him, or future employers. I’m rather more primitive; castration and/or branding would be my long term consequence of preference.

[Dogsaresomucheasier]

Banks, I’ve sent you a pm, I hope that’s okay.

[THisbackwithavengeance]

He will be released on licence under the supervision of probation.

He may not be allowed to move back to the area if probation deem it unsafe.