Episode 260: The Hidden Dangers of Social Media – A Deep Dive into Online Grooming and Abuse
In this episode, Kathleen Hallisey and Hannah Hodgson from the Abuse Team discuss a recent Sky News article and a BBC series addressing the pressing issues of online grooming and sexual abuse. How the sending of one photo led an 11-year-old girl to become a victim of physical sex abuse | UK News | Sky News
The conversation centers around the alarming story of an 11-year-old girl who became a victim of online grooming, leading to physical abuse. The discussion extends to the broader implications of children using social media and the rapid spread of self-generated indecent images.
They also explore the role of education in schools and at home, the responsibilities of tech platforms, and the potential legal mechanisms to hold these platforms accountable. The episode underscores the importance of reporting such incidents and seeking support for affected individuals.
Join us for this crucial conversation about safeguarding children in the digital age.
Episode 259: Unveiling the Hidden Crisis – Staff-to-Student Sexual Abuse in Universities
Join Kathleen Hallisey, Senior Associate, and her colleague Danielle Vincent as they delve into the pressing issue of sexual abuse and misconduct on university campuses.
Inspired by a suggestion from summer placement intern Tia, Kathleen and Danielle discuss the alarming prevalence of staff-to-student sexual abuse, highlighting testimonies from universities like Exeter, Oxford, and Cambridge. They examine the power imbalances, the portrayal of such relationships in media, and the significant impact on victims’ mental health and academic careers.
Learn about the efforts of the National Union of Students and the Office for Students to combat this issue, and the importance of institutional responses in preventing and addressing abuse. Tune in for an insightful conversation on a topic that demands attention and action.
For those affected by these issues, or with suggestions for future discussions, please reach out to the Hugh James Abuse Team. Your voice matters.
Episode 258: Silent Suffering – Sexual Abuse in Mental Health Facilities and Legal Support for Survivors
In this episode, brought to you by the abuse team at Hugh James, delves into the alarming reports of sexual abuse faced by mental health patients in UK hospitals.
Hosts Alan Collins and Kathleen Hallisey explore recent media coverage revealing that up to 20,000 incidents of sexual abuse have been reported in NHS mental health trusts over the past five years. They discuss the vulnerabilities of inpatients, the role of hospital staff, and the complexities of addressing these disturbing allegations.
The episode also examines Mayor Sadiq Khan’s announcement of free legal advice for sexual assault victims in London. While the initiative aims to combat violence against women and girls, the hosts question its effectiveness and the need for better support and reporting mechanisms.
Join the conversation as we uncover the challenges faced by survivors and the steps needed to ensure justice and safety in mental health facilities.
Episode 257: Justice Beyond Conviction: A Survivor’s Victory in Civil Court
In this episode, Danielle and Hannah discuss a recent media-highlighted case where a woman sued her therapist for sexual assault and was awarded over £200,000 in damages by the High Court. Despite the lack of a criminal conviction, this case underscores the possibility of pursuing civil claims for justice. The survivor’s journey, spanning over eight years, is a testament to resilience and the importance of seeking justice beyond the criminal courts.
This episode sheds light on the different standards of proof in criminal and civil cases and encourages survivors who haven’t seen success in criminal courts to consider civil claims. The discussion also emphasises the importance of public awareness and support for survivors who bravely share their stories to help others.
We hope this episode provides valuable insights and encourages anyone affected by similar issues to seek advice and explore their options. Stay tuned as we follow the developments in this case and continue to support survivors seeking justice.
Episode 256: Government Proposals to Ease Civil Claims for Child Sex Abuse Victims
In this episode, Alan Collins, the head of the abuse team, explores the UK Conservative government’s proposals to make it easier for child sex abuse victims to bring civil claims. These proposals are designed to reduce the trauma survivors face during legal proceedings.
The episode delves into the intricacies of the Limitation Act 1980, which currently requires claims to be made within three years of a victim turning 18. Alan discusses the challenges posed by this limitation, especially for survivors who come forward many years after the abuse.
Alan examines the government’s press release from May 15, 2024, which outlines a consultation on reversing the burden of proof. This change would place the onus on defendants to prove that a fair trial is not possible, rather than on victims to prove their case within the specified time frame.
The episode also compares reforms in other jurisdictions, such as Australia and Scotland, and discusses the potential impact of these changes on the justice system. Alan emphasises the importance of participating in the consultation process to ensure that the reforms are effective and fair to survivors.
Tune in to understand the proposed changes, their implications for survivors, and the importance of legal reform in achieving justice for child sex abuse victims.
Episode 255: Election Promises and Child Abuse: A Critical Review
In this episode, Alan dives into the manifestos of the Labour Party, the Conservative Party, and the Liberal Democrats to examine what they have to say about child abuse and related issues. Alan provides a non-partisan analysis, focusing on key topics such as mandatory reporting laws, justice for victims, and proposed redress schemes.
Alan discusses the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (ICSA) recommendations and how each party addresses—or fails to address—them. He highlights the importance of mandatory reporting and the need for accountability in the justice system. The episode also touches on the complex nature of handling rape cases and the necessity for timely justice.
Join Alan as he navigates through these political manifestos, offering insights and critiques that are crucial for survivors of sexual abuse and those advocating for their rights. Whether you are a regular listener or tuning in for the first time, this episode aims to inform and empower.
Episode 254: A Journey from Volunteer to Director – Zoe Bell’s Story at East Kent Rape Crisis Centre
In this episode, Danielle Vincent is joined by Zoe Bell, Director of East Kent Rape Crisis Centre. Zoe shares her inspiring journey from a volunteer helpline worker to director of the center, highlighting the impactful work being done to support survivors of sexual abuse. They discuss the center’s innovative therapeutic approaches, such as walk and talk therapy and side by side therapy, and the importance of creating a supportive environment for survivors.
Zoe also talks about the Kickback Group, a survivor-led initiative providing invaluable feedback to shape the services offered at the center. Additionally, she shares her experience of being invited to Buckingham Palace in recognition of her work in the sexual violence sector.
For those in need of support or more information about the services offered by East Kent Rape Crisis Centre, Danielle provides details on how to get in touch and access resources. Tune in to hear more about the incredible work being done to support survivors and the importance of having their voices heard.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please visit our website or contact us directly. Thank you for listening.
Episode 253: Female Teacher’s Abuse – Unpacking the Case of Rebecca Joynes
In this week’s episode, Alan Collins and his colleagues Kathleen Hallisey, Danielle Vincent, and Hannah Hodgson discuss the distressing case of Rebecca Joynes, a female schoolteacher recently convicted of sexual offences against two 15-year-old schoolboys.
Join us as we delve into the details of the case, exploring the legal and broader issues faced by survivors of sexual abuse. Hannah provides a background on the incidents, including how Joynes groomed her victims and the subsequent legal actions taken against her.
The team also examines public reactions to the case, highlighting the disparities in how male and female abusers are perceived and the significant impact such abuse has on the victims’ lives. This episode aims to shed light on the complex dynamics of abuse and the importance of understanding and addressing these issues.
We hope this discussion is both informative and empowering, especially for survivors of sexual abuse. Tune in to learn more about this case and the broader implications of abuse by those in positions of trust.
Episode 252: Unveiling the Dark Side – The Case of the Disgraced Vicar
In this episode, Alan Collins, the head of the abuse team, along with his colleagues Kathleen Hallisey and Hannah Hodgson, delve into the unsettling case of Reverend Julian Wheeler, a former Church of England clergyman recently convicted of sexually abusing two altar boys.
We discuss the legal concept of vicarious liability and its implications for organisations in cases of abuse. This episode highlights how the misuse of power by individuals in positions of authority, such as priests, can lead to severe consequences for victims. We also explore the broader issues faced by survivors, including the impact of mandatory reporting and the complex dynamics within faith communities that can hinder justice.
Join us as we examine the importance of safeguarding, the challenges of mandatory reporting, and the profound need for support and empowerment for survivors of clergy abuse. We hope this discussion not only informs but also encourages those affected to come forward and seek help.
Episode 251: A necessary dialogue – Abuse in the navy
In this insightful episode of the HJ Talks About Abuse podcast, the host Alan Collins, partner at Hugh James, and his colleague Danielle Vincent come together to discuss the pressing issue of sexual abuse allegations within the Royal Navy. This frank dialogue is sparked by recent media coverage around a whistleblower, Sophie Brook, a former Royal Navy submarine naval officer, who courageously brought to light the inadequate handling of her own sexual abuse allegations.
Alan and Danielle explore the unique dynamics within military institutions, struggling to differentiate between initiations and inappropriate, harmful behavior. They delve into the complex world of the armed forces, a historically male-dominated environment, and the challenges that survivors of sexual abuse face in this context. The hosts underscore the need for transparency and independent report handling in the armed forces. Furthermore, they highlight the negative implications these issues could have on recruitment and the lives of promising service people.
Join Alan and Danielle as they examine the closed world of the military, highlighting experiences that have led to significant change, and call for greater action to ensure the safety and dignity of all service people.
Episode 250: Northern Ireland Redress Scheme Closing 2 April 2025
In this episode of the HJ Talks About Abuse podcast, the hosts, Alan Collins and Danielle Vincent discuss the Northern Ireland redress scheme. This scheme was established as compensation for adults who suffered abuse while they were children in the care system in Northern Ireland between 1922 and 1995. The scheme was initiated by the UK parliament on the basis of several recommendations. The Redress Board in Northern Ireland administers this compensation scheme.
Danielle and Alan delve into why they decided to discuss the Northern Ireland redress scheme in this podcast episode. They share their experiences working on the scheme for almost two years, emphasising on the significant settlements they achieved for their clients. Danielle illustrates how these cases often involve large families, shedding light on the pervasiveness of abuse in the care system.
They stress on the importance of awareness around such schemes. Alan points out that several individuals eligible for these schemes often miss out due to lack of knowledge about them. They urge organisations working with abuse survivors to be well-informed about these schemes to inform those who could potentially apply. The conversations emphasise the need for wider publicity, education, and training for the success of such schemes.
The hosts also share their experiences working on redress schemes globally, including the Jersey, Lambeth and in Australia. They explain how such schemes often offer survivors more accessible justice compared to court proceedings. In the concluding segment, they highlight that the deadline for the Northern Ireland redress scheme is approaching, advocating for survivors, or their family members to apply if eligible.
The hosts encourage listeners to contact them should they have any questions about the podcast or need assistance applying to the scheme.
