HJ Talks About Abuse

Decoding the Apology in Sexual Abuse Cases

Welcome to the latest episode of the HJ Talks Abuse podcast where we unpack sexual abuse cases to facilitate discussion on often neglected subjects. Brought to you by the legal experts at Hugh James, we aim to not just address these cases from a legal standpoint but also bring to light to broader issues suffered by survivors of sexual abuse.

In this episode, host Alan Collins, the partner heading the abuse team at Hugh James, is joined by expert colleague Danielle Vincent. They  discuss an important, often overlooked aspect in these cases - the apology. However, listener discretion is advised as the sensitive nature of the content could be distressing for some.

This episode delves into the complexity surrounding apologies in the aftermath of sexual abuse. The UK Ministry of Justice has initiated a consultation paper concerned with the the legal ramifications of apologies in civil proceedings and whether reform is needed. The hosts explore how apologies, considered a significant part of the legal landscape, can impact the course of a case and the survivors' healing process.

Dani and Alan delve deeper into the intricacies surrounding apologies and their legal implications, the reactions of survivors, and complexities tethering apologies to liability. The conversation also includes a brief look at the legal approach to apologies in jurisdictions like Scotland, Hong Kong, and Northern Ireland. Lastly, the hosts relay urgent concerns about the proposed changes and urge listeners to remain engaged and contribute to the consultation paper.

The Role of Safeguarding Training with Safeguard First

On this week’s episode of the HJ Talks About Abuse podcast, our host Danielle Vincent discusses failings in child safeguarding and the lack of training available with special guests Lucy McCollum and Amy Lott.

 Lucy and Amy have founded Safeguarding First, a charity that provides safeguarding training.

 We discuss the need for safeguarding training and how this could not only prevent abuse taking place but provide guidance on whistleblowing/reporting.

Specifically founded with a mission to refine safeguarding practices across the UK, Safeguarding First aims to provide training to both individual and organisations, with both the option for virtual training or a further bespoke package for a particular organisation’s needs. Drawing from their own lived trauma, Lucy and Amy highlight the need for thorough training for parents, volunteers, and professionals entrusted with the care of children.

Lucy and Amy introduce Safeguarding First’s forthcoming online courses designed to empower every listener to deal responsibly with situations of suspected abuse. Both highlight how vital it is to ask uncomfortable questions, follow strict processes, and report even minor suspicions, making children's environments more secure and empowering individuals with resources for appropriate help.

The episode concludes with an encouraging call-to-action for listeners to actively participate in designing future courses and to support Safeguarding First’s fundraising efforts. As part of their expansion and outreach efforts, they also highlight the launch event scheduled in October 2024.

This podcast affirms the paramount importance of each individual's role in protecting children from abuse and calls for collective efforts toward ensuring child safety nationwide. You can learn more about Safeguarding First’s crucial initiative by visiting safeguarding1st.com or by emailing lucy@safeguarding1st.com

Survivor-Led Conversations on a Silent Issue

Join Danielle Vincent and her colleague Kathleen Hallisey on the HJ Talks About Abuse podcast, sponsored by the abuse team at Hugh James, as they welcome guest Tanith McCulloch, the Sibling Sexual Abuse Project Officer. This particular episode aims to shed light on the seldom-mentioned issue of sibling sexual abuse, offering insights from a survivor-led project aimed at empowering survivors and addressing the legal implications and broader issues they face.

Tanith McCulloch introduces her notable work in driving funding towards programs aimed at adult survivors of familial sexual abuse. www.siblingsexualabusesupport.org

A major part of the conversation focuses on society's lack of understanding and the associated stigma surrounding sibling sexual abuse, emphasising the crucial need to empower survivors. 

There is discussion about the new Hollyoaks storyline focusing on sibling sexual abuse between Frankie and JJ, the guidance that Tanith and her team have provided to Hollyoaks, and the importance of a major mainstream soap opera highlighting this hidden abuse.   

Recognising the significance of community support, a virtual network exclusive for adult survivors of Sibling Sexual Abuse (SSA) is discussed. Professional development opportunities for professionals in this field, guided directly by survivors, is another vital segment of the project. The episode wraps up with a crucial discussion defining sibling sexual abuse, tackling cultural misconceptions, and elucidating the importance of survivors' feelings towards abusive experiences, irrespective of societal-defined thresholds of abuse.

Intended as an informative resource for anyone touched by or working in the field of sexual abuse, this episode is an eye-opening encounter with the reality behind the silence of sibling sexual abuse. This survivor-led dialogue works towards breaking the stigma by bringing the issue out in open.

You can find further support and resources here:

• www.siblingsexualabusesupport.org
• Rape Crisis England & Wales - 24-hour telephone line 0808500222
• lucyfaithfull.org.uk
• Stop It Now | Preventing child sexual abuse
• siblingsexualtrauma.com in America

Unpacking the Controversial Sexual Consent Campaign - HJ Talks About Abuse Episode Discussion

In this week's episode of HJ Talks About Abuse, hosts Kathleen Hallisey and Hannah Hodgson delve into the nuances of a controversial campaign addressing sexual consent. Aptly titled "I'm Asking For It," the campaign, fronted by Emily Atack and orchestrated by CPB London and Right to Equality, aims to push for an overhaul of legal regulations surrounding sexual offences and promote the affirmative consent model. The hosts critically analyse this campaign and its potential implications for survivors, the legal system, and societal perceptions surrounding consent.

The hosts outline the campaign's aim of challenging the status quo in the realm of sexual consent - moving from ambiguities and the concept of "implied consent," to a more explicit, affirmative model where unequivocal consent is required. As they dissect the campaign, they highlight its timing and relevance, released near International Women's Day, reflecting the ongoing struggle for women's safety, rights, and acknowledgment of sexual abuse.

They further probe into the paradigm shift that the new proposed consent model would bring about, not only legally, but also in the dynamics of sexual interactions. This includes the prospect of every sexual activity needing explicit consent, a change that would render previous "grey areas" obsolete, thus empowering survivors and reducing instances of victim-blaming.

By bringing to the table issues of cyber flashing and cyber sexual harassment, Emily Atack's involvement and the public response, they dissect different facets of this contentious campaign. Kathleen and Hannah underscore the urgent need for a more assertive and clear legislation on consent, in response to the challenges faced by survivors and the uncertainties present in the current law. The episode ends on a hopeful note, reinforcing HJ Talks About Abuse's commitment to discourse on survivor empowerment and consent, and promising to keep listeners updated on developments related to the campaign.

The Failures in Police Institutions Revealed by the Sarah Everard Case

In this episode, we delve into the serious issues brought forward by the tragic Sarah Everard case. The story of Sarah Everard, a victim of former police officer Wayne Cousins, confronts us with the frightening reality of sexual abuse committed by rogue police officers within the very institution meant to protect us. We explore this dreadful case in detail, focusing on the problematic systems that allowed Cousins to become and remain a police officer.

Given the disturbing nature of this discussion, listeners are cautioned that this topic might be upsetting. For those who are ready, we encourage you to join us as we unpack the concerns surrounding Wayne Cousins' employment and the broader implications of this issue within the police force.

We understand that these cases can be quite distressing and heartbreaking. Still, we believe it is crucial to bring these subjects to light for changes to be made. In this case, discussion topics revolve around the recruitment, vetting, and monitoring processes of police officers as well as the culture within the police force.

From our point of view, a legal minimum standard must be set and mandatory for the recruiting, vetting, and monitoring processes of police officers. By ensuring this, we hope to prevent future cases like the devastating case of Sarah Everard.

Lastly, we hope this podcast serves as a reminder to all victims of sexual abuse to understand that they have legal rights. They deserve to be supported and heard, and they have the right to seek accountability and compensation for the damage they have suffered.

The Need for Effective Mandatory Reporting Laws

Welcome to this insightful podcast brought to you by Alan Collins, the head of the abuse team at Hugh James. As he explores the current stance on child abuse reporting, he dives into the necessity of mandatory reporting and the implications of non-enforcement. Alan underscores the need for a law that requires individuals aware of child abuse to report the incident to the police or relevant authorities.

Alan discerns the substantial gaps in the existing system, noting that the majority of Western countries have enforcement laws, but a large portion have no legal obligation to report child abuse. He refers to a publicized Home Office announcement, revealing the introduction of new legal requirements for those in positions of responsibility to report known child sexual abuse.

Through the discussion, Alan expresses his concerns about the current arrangements. He encourages rigorous reporting of any suspicions or concerns about child abuse, stating that waiting until after abuse has been confirmed equates to shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted.

Drawing from experience, Alan elaborates on the real-world repercussions of neglecting to report child abuse and observes the lack of accountability evident in public failure. As a solution, he advocates for the establishment of more effective mandatory reporting laws that would bring about significant culture changes, minimizing future instances of abuse.

Alan concludes the podcast by voicing his intention to bring up this issue again at Parliament in the following month and continues to hope for decisive strides in establishing more beneficial laws governing mandatory reporting of child abuse. He makes the point that these laws should cover a wide range of adults working with children and not be exclusive to teachers and health professionals.

If you found this podcast informative, and wish to share thoughts, questions or suggestions for future podcasts, please reach out. We, at Hugh James, are always open to hearing what you have to say. Thank you for your time!

Victims Forced to Choose: Seeking Justice or Seeking Therapy?

Join us on the latest episode of HJ Talks About Abuse as we delve into a pressing issue impacting survivors of sexual violence in the UK. In this episode, we explore the disturbing dilemma faced by victims: the choice between seeking therapy for healing or risking the use of their therapy notes against them in court proceedings.

Drawing from a recent article by inews.co.uk, our hosts navigate the complexities of this issue, shedding light on its profound implications for survivors' mental health and pursuit of justice. Through survivor accounts and alarming statistics from the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society, we uncover the widespread impact of this troubling reality on survivors' access to crucial support services.

Tune in as we discuss the calls for legislative change, including Amendment 115 to the Victims and Prisoners Bill, aimed at prohibiting the use of therapy notes in rape cases. We examine the challenges faced in balancing survivors' rights to privacy and justice, and the urgent need to prioritise their well-being.

In this episode, survivors and advocates share their perspectives, emphasising the critical importance of centring survivors' voices in shaping policies and practices. As discussions continue and calls for action grow louder, we explore the path forward towards ensuring that survivors receive the support and justice they deserve, without compromise.

Don't miss this compelling episode of HJ Talks About Abuse, where we confront difficult truths and advocate for meaningful change in addressing systemic issues surrounding sexual violence.

HJ Talks About Abuse: An interview with Yours in Scouting Part3

This week we catch up with Lucy and Sheanna – two of the co-founders of “Yours In Scouting”. We discuss the progress since we last spoke 6 months ago and how the Scouts have responded to the campaign.

We talk about what has been learnt along the way and what  is next for Yours In Scouting.

 

Anyone interested in providing a testimonial or signing the petition can find more information here www.yoursinscouting.org

 

We recorded the last one June/July 2023 so we can use the original blurb and this as an add on if above is a bit light!

HJ Talks About Abuse: Rochdale Grooming Review

Welcome to "HJ Talks About Abuse," where we confront the uncomfortable truths surrounding exploitation and injustice. In this gripping episode, hosts H and J delve into the harrowing saga of the Rochdale Grooming Scandal, a tragic tale of systemic failures and unimaginable suffering.

For years, vulnerable children in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, were subjected to the depravity of grooming gangs who exploited their innocence with drugs and alcohol before subjecting them to horrific abuse. Despite repeated warnings and desperate pleas for help, statutory agencies like Greater Manchester Police and Rochdale Council failed to intervene effectively, leaving children to endure unimaginable trauma.

The recent independent review, commissioned by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, has laid bare the extent of these failures, highlighting a culture of neglect and incompetence that allowed perpetrators to operate with impunity. Despite the bravery of whistleblowers like Sara Rowbotham and Maggie Oliver, justice remained elusive for many victims, with their voices silenced by a system that prioritised reputation over protection.

Join us as we dissect the findings of the Rochdale Grooming Scandal, exploring the urgent need for accountability and reform within our systems of child protection. Through candid conversations and expert insights, we shine a light on the darkness, amplifying the voices of survivors and demanding justice for the wronged.

Listen to "HJ Talks About Abuse" as we navigate through the complexities of the Rochdale Grooming Scandal, advocating for change and standing in solidarity with those who have been betrayed by those meant to protect them. #RochdaleScandal #ChildProtection #Justice 🎙️

HJ Talks About Abuse: Tradesman Convicted for Sexually Assaulting 6 Year Old Girl in Her Home

In this episode of HJ Talks About Abuse, the team discusses a deeply disturbing case that has shaken the community, Ako Hussain Pur, a 32-year-old tradesman, has been convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison for the sexual assault of a six-year-old girl in her own bedroom. The horrifying incident took place while Pur was carrying out building work at the family's home in Sheffield.