Crosswords0 min ago
If Someone Is Found Not Guilty Of A Sexual Offence, Should Their Accuser Be Publicly Named?
This would include women who have accused men of rape, or sexual assault and children who accuse adults of sexual assault and rape.
In both cases, as we have seen recently, the accused is named, whilst the accuser enjoys anonymity.
I believe that this would be a disaster, but there seems to be growing support amongst some commentators that this is the way we should go.
How do you feel about this?
In both cases, as we have seen recently, the accused is named, whilst the accuser enjoys anonymity.
I believe that this would be a disaster, but there seems to be growing support amongst some commentators that this is the way we should go.
How do you feel about this?
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pixie373
Yeah, I understand that one...but apparently in some cases, and Stuart Hall is a good example, the fact that he was named lead to a successful prosecution because more of his victims came forward after he was initially charged and their testimoney supported the prosecution case - because it demonstrated specific 'behaviour patterns'.
With complete anonymity, the opportunity for other victims to come forward is lost.
But I know where you're coming from...if I were accused of something and was innocent (especially with crimes of a sexual nature), I wouldn't want my name slathered all over the papers...
Yeah, I understand that one...but apparently in some cases, and Stuart Hall is a good example, the fact that he was named lead to a successful prosecution because more of his victims came forward after he was initially charged and their testimoney supported the prosecution case - because it demonstrated specific 'behaviour patterns'.
With complete anonymity, the opportunity for other victims to come forward is lost.
But I know where you're coming from...if I were accused of something and was innocent (especially with crimes of a sexual nature), I wouldn't want my name slathered all over the papers...
How many victims would never come forward, offenders would be getting away scot free. I don't know what the answer is but that's not the way to go IMO.
I was sexually assaulted when I was a kid, along with 2 other girls, their parents decided from the get go that they wanted to distance from the whole thing and said their daughter would not testify in court, my mum on the other hand told the police that she would want me to, at first he plead not guilty so it looked a bit crap for me but after some good old fashioned 70's policing he admitted his guilt and I was kept out of court. Now, if he hadn't gone guilty and I had to go to court and he was found not guilty, then my name should be announced all over the newspaper? And people think that's okay? I despair, I really do.
Hopefully their daughters/grandaughters are never put in that position.
I was sexually assaulted when I was a kid, along with 2 other girls, their parents decided from the get go that they wanted to distance from the whole thing and said their daughter would not testify in court, my mum on the other hand told the police that she would want me to, at first he plead not guilty so it looked a bit crap for me but after some good old fashioned 70's policing he admitted his guilt and I was kept out of court. Now, if he hadn't gone guilty and I had to go to court and he was found not guilty, then my name should be announced all over the newspaper? And people think that's okay? I despair, I really do.
Hopefully their daughters/grandaughters are never put in that position.
Basically, psybbo, yes.
I understand it might encourage others to come forward - I'm just not sure people should be used that way. Personally, i will be more likely to remember the celebrities that have been arrested, than which ones are guilty. I'm still not 100% convinced with those acquitted, for no reason other than their names have been associated with it for so long.
I understand it might encourage others to come forward - I'm just not sure people should be used that way. Personally, i will be more likely to remember the celebrities that have been arrested, than which ones are guilty. I'm still not 100% convinced with those acquitted, for no reason other than their names have been associated with it for so long.
The legal system in the UK does not allow (in the main) for secret prosecutions to take place. If you wander down to your local court buildings, you will see a list of forthcoming trials where the defendant is named......you are also entitled (space permitting) to attend the trial by sitting in the Public Gallery.
That the media splash salacious stories across their publications is regrettable but *no-one* accused of an offence can realistically expect to have their anonymity protected.
That the media splash salacious stories across their publications is regrettable but *no-one* accused of an offence can realistically expect to have their anonymity protected.
No, I don't think children should be named if they accuse an adult. Half the time children don't even have the right language to describe or explain what has happened to them. Vulnerable adolescents who also allege abuse need to be handled with care too; some of them don't even seem themselves as victims.
EDDIE51
I've seen a few (just a few) reports recently where an accuser has been found out way before the accused has gone to court, and have been convicted and jailed.
I have a feeling (based on what I've read) that the CPS, police and rape councillors are not mugs when it comes it false accusations.
But this is just guesswork based on what I've seen reported...
I've seen a few (just a few) reports recently where an accuser has been found out way before the accused has gone to court, and have been convicted and jailed.
I have a feeling (based on what I've read) that the CPS, police and rape councillors are not mugs when it comes it false accusations.
But this is just guesswork based on what I've seen reported...
It's water under the bridge now SP but the more I read on this forum, the angrier I get, some people have absolutely no idea what it's like to be abused and then to hear their vitriolic rants heaped on victims makes my blood boil, I almost (and I reiterate, almost) wish it would happen to them so they knew what it felt like.
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