Abuse Survivors Blog

The recent conviction of a Jehovah’s Witness elder in Wales highlights once again the endemic opportunities for sexual predators within religious institutions, and the difficulty in speaking out against institutional abuse.

Church elder, Thomas Brian Jenkins, denied 20 charges of indecent assault of a young girl in the 1970s within the context of carrying out missionary activities such as “door-to-door missions” to rural properties in the Welsh countryside. 

Having good support from loved ones when dealing with the psychological consequences of sexual abuse can be vital, but therapeutic support from a trained professional can also be invaluable.

On 24^th September 2018, Emmott Snell once again took part in the annual Bedford Legal Walk, a 10km sponsored walk around Bedford town which raises money for local charities providing legal advice. 

It is well known that many victims of childhood sexual abuse suffer with psychological conditions and symptoms that affect their day to day life and ability to function.

The symptoms of these conditions are debilitating and can be treated by various traditional psychotherapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, EDMR and counselling.

This year has seen spiralling revelations of abuse and sexual exploitation of children and vulnerable people by those working for reputable aid organisations in countries ravaged by war and catastrophic natural disasters.  

It is deeply shocking that respected British charities including Oxfam and the Red Cross have found themselves at the heart of a scandal exposing predatory staff taking advantage of the vulnerable communities they are supposed to be helping.

A forced marriage is a marriage in which one or both spouses have not consented to the marriage and it has taken place against their will.

Physical, emotional and psychological abuse is often used to coerce individuals, who are often children (under 18), into entering these marriages.

On 12 July 2018 representatives of Emmott Snell Solicitors attended the annual APIL/ACAL conference. 

APIL is a non-profit making organisation that has been campaigning and fighting for the rights of injured people for over 25 years. The Association of Child Abuse Lawyers (ACAL) is also a non-profit making organisation, which was set up to support and assist victims, lawyers, and professionals involved in obtaining compensation for those who have suffered abuse (sexual, physical or psychological) abuse as children.

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.

Sexual harassment is any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature which can include leering looks, verbal abuse of a sexual nature, displaying sexually suggestive pictures or objects and unwelcome touching.