Latest news with #victimsrights
The Sun
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Victims of abuse in workplace will no longer be kept quiet by confidentiality agreements
BOSSES who try to silence workers subjected to sexual harassment or discrimination will have confidentiality agreements ripped up under new plans. Victims will no longer be kept quiet as employers will find that Non-Disclosure Agreements are made null and void. The move will mean that witnesses will be able to speak out publicly and support victims without the threat of being sued themselves. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: 'We have heard the calls from victims of harassment and discrimination to end the misuse of NDAs. 'It is time we stamped this practice out – and this government is taking action to make that happen.' The confidentiality agreements have been used to restrict what signatories can say or who they can tell about such abuse. The changes are set to be introduced to the employment rights package which is currently going through Parliament. Ex-Cabinet Minister Louise Haigh MP said: "The Government's decision to ban NDAs in cases of harassment and discrimination is an incredible victory for victims and campaigners. "Victims of harassment and discrimination have been forced to suffer in silence for too long. "This legislation is the result of years of tireless campaigning by victims and advocates. "This victory belongs to them. Organisations like Can't Buy My Silence, led by the indefatigable Zelda Perkins, have exposed the harm caused by this toxic practice. She said it "will mean that bad employers can no longer hide behind legal practices that cover up their wrongdoing and prevent victims from getting justice". Zelda Perkins, who spearheads the Can't Buy My Silence campaign, was a former PA to disgraced Harvey Weinstein. She said: 'This is a huge milestone, for years, we've heard empty promises from governments whilst victims have continued to be silenced, to see this Government accept the need for nationwide legal change shows that they have listened and understood the abuse of power taking place. 'Above all though, this victory belongs to the people who broke their NDAs, who risked everything to speak the truth when they were told they couldn't. Without their courage, none of this would be happening. 'This is not over yet and we will continue to focus closely on this to ensure the regulations are watertight and no one can be forced into silence again. 'If what is promised at this stage becomes reality, then the UK will be leading the world in protecting not only workers but the integrity of the law.'
BBC News
03-07-2025
- BBC News
Longer sentences needed for non-fatal strangulation, says victim
Donna Louise Todd is a mother, a businesswoman and an online influencer. She is also the victim of a violent man who strangled her and received a suspended said sentencing for non-fatal strangulation is too lenient, and in her case believes it "wasn't enough, justice was not served"."For victims to go to court and for an abuser to get just a suspended sentence, it's unfair," she Lady Chief Justice told BBC News NI that "there is a perception amongst some that a suspended sentence is a 'let off', however, it acts as a deterrent measure", adding that there is a sentence "hanging over the offender which will be put into effect if they commit another offence". Since 2020, 27 women have been violently killed in Northern strangulation, which became a stand-alone crime in Northern Ireland in 2023, is seen as a red flag for escalating violence in a relationship and an indicator for future risk of murder or attempted is the second most common method of female murder in the UK, after stabbing. 'Enough was enough' Donna Louise said her relationship, which lasted only six months, was both physically and emotionally abusive."It was challenging. It strips you down until there is nothing left and it's left me with a lot of trauma within that short space of time."I knew I had to call the police - enough was enough."I was scared to do so but it also was a way for me to completely disconnect with that person."It was the best thing I ever did."He was charged with a number of offences, including non-fatal Louise said she was prepared to give her witness testimony in court, but at the last minute her attacker changed his plea to guilty and was handed a suspended sentence."He admitted to what he'd done, and it was like a slap on the wrist," she said."I feel like, why was it not taken seriously?" The Lady Chief Justice, Dame Siobhan Keegan, said: "The sentencing framework, within which all judges must act, is set in legislation by the Department of Justice."In Donna Louise's case, the Lady Chief Justice said the judge "emphasised the deterrent measure of the suspended sentence by reminding the defendant that he would be sent to prison should he reoffend at any stage in the next three years". The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) made prosecution decisions in 278 cases of non-fatal strangulation from the beginning of April 2024 until the end of March vast majority of those cases were processed through the magistrates' court which has lower sentencing PSNI have charged over 600 people with the offence since it came into force two years John Taggart, a legal expert at Queen's University Belfast, said sentencing in Northern Ireland can be complicated."When judges come to sentence someone for a particular offence, for example non-fatal strangulation, they do have more discretion here, they aren't bound by formal guidance like in England and Wales," he told BBC News NI."That means judges do have a bit more leeway to perhaps incorporate aggravating factors or mitigating factors."The figures are clear that most of these cases are being tried in the magistrates' court compared to the crown court, significantly more cases in the magistrates', invariably that means that cases will attract a lower sentence." Judge Barney McElhom, who retired this year after more than 25 years, described non-fatal strangulation as some perpetrator's "weapon of choice".He said there has been "almost an explosion" in the number of cases he has seen in recent to BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme, he said he's heard from victims that "this is the most frightening thing you can experience, it's like drowning"."It's a very, very controlling and coercive and domineering tactic" which requires "wider awareness," he Louise said her message for others experiencing abuse is to "get out of that relationship", adding that she felt it was important to speak out."It's not easy, but I'll be a voice because I know what it feels like to lose your voice, to be silenced, and I will not be silenced."
CBC
23-06-2025
- CBC
Nearly decade-long Ontario sexual assault case 'deeply problematic,' say advocates
Social Sharing Meg got a call from a London, Ont., police officer late last year telling her new charges were pending against the man who she says attacked her in 2016. He was convicted of sexually assaulting her in 2019, and placed on the sex offender registry. By 2023, his statutory sentence in federal prison was over and he'd been released. Meg said fortunately, he'd stayed away from her. The officer gave no details about the new arrest, but had called to make sure Meg was OK. She said she was — until the officer dropped a bomb. "Have you heard about the appeal?" Meg recalls the officer asking. "And I was like no, and she goes, 'Well, somebody from victim services should be calling you about that soon. Have a good weekend. Goodbye.'" Meg, whose real name is protected by a court-ordered publication ban, later found out the man convicted in her case had been granted an appeal a year before, but no one had told her. That gave way to an even bigger mystery. I've done my part. I have shown up for this system time and time again to do my part, to hold this man accountable. - Meg "He served his time. He has been released," Meg said. "What is there to appeal?" The appeal meant his conviction was set aside, and he was no longer on the sex offender registry. Court documents reveal a case rife with long delays and miscommunication, one that legal experts and women's advocates say is indicative of a criminal system that too often fails both sides. "It is deeply problematic for the accused. It's deeply problematic for the complainant," said Pam Hrick, executive director and general counsel of the Women's Legal Education and Action Fund, also known as LEAF. "You really want, especially in cases of sexual violence, to have a process that is moving forward as expeditiously as possible, where the complainant, where the accused are informed in a timely way of how things are proceeding, and where resolutions aren't left hanging over anyone's head for close to a decade." On June 11, a text message from the victim/witness assistance program in London confirmed to Meg that a new trial would not proceed. The case had ended — right about where it started. "I've done my part. I have shown up for this system time and time again to do my part, to hold this man accountable," said Meg. "He will be absolved of any accountability." Lack of communication 'inexcusable' CBC reviewed hundreds of pages of court documents from this case including the sentencing decision, transcripts of testimony and the Court of Appeal decision. The Crown attorney assigned to this case in London was not allowed to speak to CBC. Questions were instead forwarded to the office of Ontario's Ministry of the Attorney General, which refused to comment. "To protect confidentiality, the ministry is unable to share any information about specific cases and its communication with victims," a ministry spokesperson wrote in an email. Asked who is responsible for keeping a claimant informed — in this case, that an appeal had been granted and a new trial ordered — the ministry said the Crown is "to ensure that efforts are made to advise the victim of significant information throughout the proceedings," as noted in the victims directive in the Crown prosecution manual. "This is just an example of the ... criminal system failing," said Hrick, who reviewed some of the court documents for CBC. "It's inexcusable that she wasn't informed.... She's entitled to understand and to have explained to her what happened." 'I did everything I was supposed to do' Meg did everything alleged victims are told to do: say no, fight off the attacker, seek help and report the assault. The accused was her neighbour and they'd previously dated. On a summer night in 2016 he dropped by and they drank wine on her porch, according to court documents. Meg testified she repeatedly said no to sex that night, but he forced himself on her. A rape kit was later administered at a hospital, she reported the assault to police and charges were laid. "I did everything I was supposed to do as a survivor," said Meg. In her victim impact statement, she described her physical injuries. "I had never been attacked like this, I had never had to fight someone off of me before, and my complete exhaustion was my reminder that I had failed to protect myself," she told the court. He was convicted by a jury in July 2019. Sentencing, initially scheduled for late 2019, didn't happen until early 2021. His appeal was submitted that spring. Meg says Correctional Service Canada did inform her of his movements while he was inside the prison system, including any day passes, and she was notified about his release back into the community in late 2022. "I thought, OK, the appeal didn't go through, there's no need to think about it anymore, and I just started to live my life knowing that that is all done and it's behind me," she recalled. It's unclear why the appeal court didn't hear the case until late 2023. "The delay didn't work for him here either because he just sat in jail for all that time. I just don't know why that happened," said Tonya Kent, a criminal defence lawyer in Toronto. "There's an impact on both parties." 'No public interest' Meg said the Crown told her at this stage it wouldn't be in the public interest to hold a new trial, which could take another few years to reach completion. "Tell me how this court system has upheld my rights. Tell me how they have protected me, because they have not," said Meg. Claimants like Meg need to remember they are in the system as a witness and the Crown is not their lawyer, said Kent. "He's already served the sentence, so what is the purpose of trying to get a conviction? And then what?" Kent asked. "The system is not going to be here for you to get closure." That's why some are calling for solutions outside the justice system. Laura Morrison, a member of the Survivors for Justice Reform Coalition, says sexual violence is one of the "most pervasive under-reported and under-attended to" crimes. The coalition of survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence is calling for justice reform including restorative and transformative justice options. According to a Statistics Canada report in November 2024, only six per cent of sexual assaults are reported to police and only one in 19 led to an accused person being sentenced to custody. Morrison, who also volunteers at the Toronto Rape Crisis Centre, says she explains to survivors the roadblocks and potential harm that can be experienced in the justice system. "You are providing yourself as a service to the Crown," said Morrison. "It has very little to do with you and you need to know that going into it." As the high-profile sexual assault trial involving five hockey players worked its way through court in London this spring, Meg was among the people protesting outside. "It's an incredible feeling, honestly, to be surrounded by a group of people who get it and who are survivor-focused," she said. "You're speaking for everyone who's been through this system, everyone who's going to go through this system, and demanding change, demanding justice for survivors."
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Yahoo
Sex assault trial set for 2026, 3 decades after hunt for Ont. 'woodland rapist'
WARNING: This article may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone affected by it. A Toronto man has been ordered to stand trial on sexual assault charges next year, three decades after a series of attacks on minors led to an Ontario manhunt for an unknown assailant the media dubbed the "woodland rapist." Records filed in Superior Court in Brampton show Richard Neil's four-week jury trial has been scheduled to begin the week of Sept. 14, 2026. He faces 17 charges, including sexual assault with a weapon, kidnapping and making child pornography. Neil, 65, was arrested in Toronto in March 2024, following a long-running, on again, off again investigation. His lawyer, Leo Adler, declined to comment on the case. Adler previously told CBC News his client is "not guilty" and was "shocked" when he first learned of the allegations. Police from Peel, Halton and Waterloo regions launched the Project Woodland task force in 1995 after they said DNA evidence had linked three unsolved sexual assaults. Each time, investigators said a child had been lured into a wooded area, tied to a tree and attacked. Neil was released on bail last year. An indictment reviewed by CBC shows he's charged in connection with three attacks on: A boy on Aug. 21, 1992 in Kitchener. Another boy on Sept. 29, 1994 in Brampton. A girl on Aug. 31, 1995 in Oakville. The identities of the alleged victims are covered by a publication ban. Police said last year they suspect there may be more victims. Peel police laid 20 charges against Neil in March 2024, but one count of assault and two counts of sexual interference no longer appear in recent court documents. Ontario's Ministry of the Attorney General did not immediately respond to a request to clarify the discrepancy. Three decades after officers canvassed neighbourhoods — and investigators reportedly looked at more than 1,000 persons of interest — police have not said what ultimately led them to Neil. But one alleged victim said investigators told him a relative of Neil's submitted their DNA to an ancestry-type website, and that proved crucial in the case. Now in his 40s, that man was 10 years old when he reported to police he had been forced to perform sex acts on a stranger in a Brampton park. A former investigator on the case provided CBC with the same account regarding DNA evidence. Police across North America have reported breakthroughs in a growing number of cases in recent years through investigative genetic genealogy. The technique involves comparing crime scene DNA to genetic data voluntarily submitted to direct-to-consumer genealogical services. WATCH | DNA helped solve cold case, complainant says: It was a technique unavailable to detectives who first worked on the case. At the time, a composite sketch of a man was distributed to law enforcement agencies across the province and nearby U.S. states. At one point, Ontario investigators said they'd received 1,300 tips. A civil lawsuit filed last year against Neil by one of his alleged victims was recently discontinued, a court representative confirmed to CBC. In a statement of claim, the plaintiff said he had suffered "severe physical and psychological injuries" in the three decades since the assault, including "trauma, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life." It's not clear what led the suit to be discontinued. Neil's criminal case is scheduled to return to a Brampton court next week.
BBC News
17-06-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Grooming gang survivor says new inquiry may bring long-awaited answers
A woman who was raped by grooming gangs at the age of 12 and turned away by police when she tried to report the abuse has said victims may finally get answers in from a national inquiry into child sexual government announced the new probe, that would compel witnesses to give evidence, after report by Baroness Casey which found "far too many" perpetrators of abuse had evaded Walker-Roberts from Oldham has been calling for ministers to launch a national inquiry after she was abused by grooming gangs in the town in the 2000s. She said victims were treated like "prostitutes, or just used goods" by authorities who failed to protect them. Ms Walker-Roberts was accused of being drunk in 2006 when she tried to report the abuse at a local police then taken into a car by two men and raped, before she was driven to homes across the town and sexually assaulted by others. 'Scripted' Her experience was at the centre of a review published in 2022, that found vulnerable children in Oldham had been failed by the police and the has chosen to waive her right to anonymity, having previously been given the alias 'Sophie' in the review to protect her was commissioned by the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham as part of a series of non-statutory reviews which also included Manchester and Rochdale. In some cases, former police officers, including those in senior ranks, and council officials did not appear to give evidence when asked to Walker-Roberts said "being named and shamed" for not turning up was not justice, and compelling witnesses to appear was important. "They might not tell the truth, it might be scripted, but this is the only option we've got," Ms Walker-Roberts said. She said she had been disappointed with previous inquiries, as they all ended with authorities being "unable to take further action". "I've just accepted now that I'm not going to get any more justice, but it's not going to stop me using the platform I've built to help others get what they want."Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker of Greater Manchester Police said the national inquiry and the "statutory powers this invokes to ensure accountability". Baroness Casey said she recommended a national statutory review because of the "reluctance" of local areas to do their own reviews. She said Oldham's was the only council which was willing to do a review when five local inquiries were Council Leader Arooj Shah said the authority recognised "the failings of the past" and was "determined not to repeat them". She also said child sexual abuse as perpetrated by people of all races and religions but authorities needed to do more to understand why the "pattern of abuse" was more prevalent in some groups of men."To say so is not racist. What is racist is to suggest that all Pakistani men are groomers or the implication, the suggestion, that any one community condones this behaviour – it does not."Baroness Casey's report found "disproportionate numbers of men from Asian ethnic backgrounds" were suspects in child grooming gangs, but the ethnicity of perpetrators was often not recorded by authorities. Ms Walker-Roberts, who has written a book about her experiences, said while she welcomed the national review, she believed Sir Kier Starmer had been "pushed into a corner" by Baroness Casey's was part of a group of victims who have met with ministers in the past six months to push for a full said until the new probe was announced on Saturday, "Labour had just not wanted to give us anything".Seven men were convicted last week of sexually exploiting two teenage girls in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, between 2001 and 2006. Assistant Chief Constabl Parker said this was the second major investigation into grooming gangs in Rochdale, and meant 32 people had now been brought to justice for sex abuse offences in the said she wanted to reiterate an apology from the force "to all those who have been let down by GMP in the past". "We know we still have a way to go and are not complacent about the scale of what needs to be done."While we are demonstrably better, we will continue to stay true to our apology to those victims we have previously let down, reflecting on our progress, and act on scrutiny to further improve." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
