Defamation

[Belfast]

HOw can I publish an article about child abuse I suffered without being sued by the perpetrator (never convicted) for defamation?

[Buenchico]

You can only defame someone if you either name them or publish information which could lead to people working out who your referring to.

Obviously, if you write under your own name and refer to 'my uncle', 'my stepfather', etc, people could work out who you're referring to.

The solution is to write under a pseudonym (and to ensure that there's no way your readers could find out your real name). Of course you'd also need to change the name of the abuser.

Chris

[Iggle Piggle]

Maybe you could submit the finished work as evidence and get a conviction ?

[Ethel]

You can only be sued for defamation if you lie about a person.

You would have to prove that you are being truthful. In effect, the perpetrator would be bringing a trial against himself.

Highly unlikely.

He would have to be quite well off to bring a defamation action against you - there is no legal aid.
As damages is in the form of financial compensation, it is pointless bringing an action against anyone who does not have the assets to compensate.

Name and shame. It may bring other victims to light.

[Belfast]

Thanks for your encouraging replies. I just need to find a publisher that will take the risks with me now.