A victim coming forward to speak about sexual abuse or sexual assault often takes an extreme amount of courage. To be treated with suspicion or lack of respect (however subtle that may be) is unacceptable in any case. This was highlighted in the recent Netflix drama ‘Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey’ which aptly demonstrated the differences in police attitudes and treatment of the main character, and her responses.
While over 30 million people tuned in to watch England vs Italy in the Euro 2020 final earlier this month, only the 60,000 in Wembley stadium witnessed the ‘streaker’ that the rest of us were spared thanks to the discretion of the cameras.
Over the past few weeks, more allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct in the entertainment industry have surfaced. Most notably, in relation to Noel Clarke, a well-known actor, producer, screenwriter and director.
All parents and guardians hope that school is a place where their children are safe and able to develop academically, emotionally and socially. It is expected that their safety is a given. Regrettably, and largely down to the initiative of a 22-year-old former student in setting up the ‘Everyone’s Invited’ website, it has recently come to light that in some schools a 'rape culture' exists, so that these schools are not safe places at all.
If you have been abused by a family member or friend, the only options open to you may be to pursue a claim directly against your abuser, as opposed to an organisation or establishment.
We have recently been instructed by a person who alleges they were a victim of sexual abuse at the hands of a deceased priest Reverend Canon William James ‘Jim’ Hawthorne, a former vicar of the Church of England.
Women on their own who are hotel guests, or indeed women employed to provide room service – can be vulnerable to sexual predators.
We have been instructed by a victim who was sexually abused as a child whilst a resident at St Vincent’s Orphanage in Newcastle.
We have recently been instructed by a victim of Keith Hartle (deceased) who was a National Boating Officer in the Nautical Training Corps (‘NTC’). Our client was assaulted by Hartle over many years in the 1990’s.
We have recently been instructed by a victim of a former music teacher, Paul Johnson who was sexually assaulted by him over a period of many years.
