Part Seven, Is There Justice?
Two victims of domestic abuse including rape in their relationship takes us inside their unshared journey with the police and CPS. How hard is it to get a case of domestic abuse prosecuted? Can the police, police, domestic abuse? Is the prevelance of male suicide linked to domestic abuse?
EPISODE NOTES
Links to support referenced in this episode:
MUSIC: Our theme music is the aptly named cases to rest by Blue dot sessions.
REFERENCE DATA: All the underlying CPS data that Tanya explains to Charlie in this episode can be found on the CPS website in CSV format here under an annual Domestic Abuse key findings tab.
‘Dhalia’ has kindly allowed us to post the CPS letter she received. All identifiable information has been redacted.
Bear in mind, the police had already taken her phone previously and had everything off it.
She queried why they needed it again as it was her only point of contact and safety with the outside world - and her son.
She asked if it would affect the case if she didn’t hand it over again. The police said, “actually no it's fine, shouldn't affect anything.”
She said the police were actually surprised when this CPS letter came through citing her refusal of giving her phone over again.
There has been some coverage of this being a problem in other cases
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/sep/19/help-rape-victims-cps-police-change-attitudes
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-48086244
If you need help and support, you can access Women's Aid direct services which include our Live Chat Helpline, the Survivors' Forum and the Survivor's Handbook at www.womensaid.org.uk
You can also email us at helpline@womensaid.org.uk or contact a local domestic abuse service by using our Domestic Abuse Directory https://www.womensaid.org.uk/domestic-abuse-directory/
If you are experiencing domestic abuse and want to access support over the phone, you can call:
* National Domestic Violence Helpline - 0808 2000 247
* The Men's Advice Line, for male domestic abuse survivors - 0808 801 0327
* The Mix, free information and support for under 25s in the UK - 0808 808 4994
* National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0800 999 5428
* Samaritans (24/7 service) - 116 123
* Rights of Women advice lines, there are a range of services available - go to https://rightsofwomen.org.uk/get-advice/advice-lines/