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

Evening DottyDoo and all who've posted on this thread. We have received your report at MNHQ - and will forward a link to this groundswell of support for the idea to our Campaigns & Content people for their consideration. back at you Dotty

Ohhh thank you muchly.

Oi did you take the Gin a well!

Trying to lay off it whilst on duty. Leads to all sorts of situations

The les I know the better I think

It's still there!

I can't think of anything helpful to say but wondered if a bump was still useful.

O. That's the other thread. Sorry.

Bumps are always welcome

Good idea.

Excellent idea Dotty

I know you had Keir Starmer here when he was still DPP, but every CPS area has a specialist sexual offences lawyer and a specialist DV lawyer; perhaps a grassroots prosecutor who could explain what to expect if a perpetrator is arrested and/or charged (timescales, what the prosecutor has to consider, giving evidence etc) would also be a useful addition?

I agree Sign

Maybe MNHQ can do it in stages for both sex crimes and D & V.

Start with those that can explain the process once you report it. Police.

Then have someone from a support group. Victim support/women's aid.

Then someone who can explain the processes of it going to court as you say above.

Excellent idea. Yes please.

Adding my voice. I never reported mine, and I regret that, but it was over 20 years ago, and I still think about it.

We need more information, and more campaigns to get the message across to EVERYONE that it's not acceptable.

It's a brilliant idea

Great idea

You have my vote - this is a great idea!

Great idea, forewarned is forearmed, so to speak.

I think it's a great idea. Very worthy cause to back :)

Great idea OP.

Fantastic idea.

This is a fab idea. I fully support it. Well done for starting this.

Adding my support

Excellent idea - anything that supports victims to report abuse should be supported.