HJ Talks About Abuse

Abuse in military settings

In this week’s episode of HJ Talks about Abuse, the team discusses the recent case of a Royal Navy commander who put his hand down female sailor's pants on train ride back from day trip to Amsterdam is jailed for 10 months for sexual assault. As a result of this and similar cases, two independent studies have concluded military police and military courts should not be handling these cases, it should be the civilian police and the civilian courts. Our thoughts.

The effectiveness of Operation Bluestone on increasing rape convictions

In this week’s episode of HJ Talks about Abuse, the team discusses rape trials and convictions, in particular a headline that has been in the press recently regarding Avon and Somerset Police’s new ‘whole story approach’ named ‘Operation Bluestone’, aimed at increasing rape prosecutions.

Sexual predators posing as Uber drivers

In this week’s episode of HJ Talks About Abuse, Danielle and Hannah from the Abuse team discuss the recent headlines surrounding a sexual predator who posed as an Uber driver to sexually assault women.

Wind River: Sexual Abuse in Ethnic Minority Communities / Isolated Communities

Imagine a remote area in Wyoming, USA, with vast forests and snow-capped mountains. Wind River, a film inspired by true events, delves into the dark world of violence and sexual abuse faced by American Indian women in this very region. The movie portrays the heartbreaking story of two teenage American Indian girls who fall victim to sexual abuse and murder, shedding light on an endemic issue affecting Native American and Alaskan Native women. Shockingly, according to a Department of Justice study, 84% of them have experienced some form of violence, while 56% have endured sexual violence.

The film highlights how abuse can thrive in such isolated communities, where remoteness, a small police force, and negative attitudes towards victims create a breeding ground for violence. Moreover, themes of drug abuse, homelessness, and poverty add to the complexities that perpetuate this tragic cycle. While Wind River's portrayal is uncomfortable and hard-hitting, it draws attention to a harsh reality that cannot be ignored.

Actor Kevin Spacey cleared of sexual abuse charges

In this week’s podcast, the Abuse team discuss some recent headlines involving Kevin Spacey’s not guilty verdict for sexual abuse allegations, and Andrew Malkinson’s overturned conviction after spending 17 years in prison for rape that he did not commit. Further, the team discuss the historic case of Stefan Kiszko, another wrongful conviction for rape and murder, who also faced prison time for a crime he did not commit.

An interview with Yours in Scouting Part 2

This is the second part of the interview with founders of Yours in Scouting, Sheanna Patelmaster and Lucy Pincott. They debate on the effectiveness of mandatory reporting, mass safeguarding training for Scout leaders and provide advice for survivors who are thinking of disclosing their abuse.

An interview with Yours In Scouting Part 1

In a first episode of two parts, Alan and Danielle speak with Sheanna Patelmaster and Lucy Pincott founders of Yours In Scouting about the reasons for setting up this website and current campaign following their abuse by scout leaders.

The difficulties of sexual abuse disclosure for a child or their parents

In this week's episode of HJ Talks About Abuse, the team discusses The difficulties for the child or parent/guardian in disclosing sexual abuse.

Sexual misconduct in the workplace

In this week's episode the abuse team discuss various cases of sexual misconduct in the workplace, after an ex-Director of a law firm was recently struck off the role for sexual harassment in the workplace.

‘I’m Tired of This’: campaign to stop sexual abuse of women exercising in public

In this week's episode, the abuse team discuss ‘I’m Tired of This’ -  a recent campaign calling for an end to sexual abuse and harassment of women and girls exercising in public across the West Midlands.