Figures released in early 2021 showed that in England and Wales in the 12 month period to September 2021, only around 820 (1.3%) of the record 63,136 reported rape offence logged by the police resulted in a suspect being charged. Victims of abuse can suffer lasting trauma, and too often their experience of the criminal justice system adds to their suffering.
Bernadette James
Recent Posts
When a victim of a sexual assault has the courage to report sexual abuse or sexual assault, the police should investigate, and this should hopefully lead to a successful prosecution/conviction, and appropriate punishment (usually prison), for the perpetrator.
This firm recently acted for a client (‘X’), who was sexually assaulted by a vicar (‘Rev Phillip Hayllar’) when he was a child. X successfully obtained a substantial out-of-court settlement after bringing a compensation claim against the Anglican Church for childhood sexual abuse he suffered at the hands of Phillip Hayllar.
Sadly, the Coronavirus pandemic has caused countless families onto the mercies of benefits such as Universal Credit and other benefits with the possibility of thousands more following before the crisis is over.
If you, a friend or a family member have suffered a physical or psychological injury (or both) as a result of a violent crime, you may be entitled to compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. Compensation can range from £1,000 to £500,000.
For most of us, school was a place where we were safe and able to flourish and develop academically, emotionally and socially. Unfortunately, for some this is not always the case. Those entrusted with the care of children at school, including teachers and support workers hold a position of trust. Sadly some will abuse this position of trust to gain access, groom and abuse children, often targeting the vulnerable who are seen as easy targets.
A former member of a Church Sunday School has succeeded in a civil compensation claim arising from sexual abuse by a church youth worker and has successfully obtained an out-of-court settlement in a civil action.
The Covid 19 health crisis and in particular lockdown means that children of all ages are unable to attend school and no doubt missing their friends and teachers.
As the virtual world becomes increasingly part of everyday life, it is no surprise that there are people who are exploiting it to commit crimes, causing deep anguish and distress. Even more so with the government lockdown due to the onset of the Covid 19 pandemic. With children off of school, predatory paedophiles have access to them more than ever before.
More allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse in the entertainment industry have been exposed, most recently in relation to a top choreographer for the Royal Ballet.
