Never too late to come forward for victims of sexual assault and rape
- October 3, 2012
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The recent allegations of sexual assault and rape made against the late Jimmy Saville may or may not be true; we may never know but if nothing else we can but hope that it gives strength to the victims of sexual assault, both recent and historic, to come forward and speak out about such attacks and name their attackers.
The fear of being disbelieved, especially when the claim is leveled against a celebrity or person of power and position such as an employee, will often prevent a survivor of such an attack actually coming forward and it takes great courage to do so.
Fortunately in recent years the police have taken a more enlightened and sympathetic view when it comes to interviewing those making the allegations; female officers and special facilities as well as video evidence can reduce the stress and worry of making a complaint.
It is true that the longer an allegation is left the harder it becomes for investigations to be made; evidence can be destroyed , witnesses may die or forget details of the incident so the sooner the matter can be reported the better however as investigation techniques become more sophisticated the chance of a successful prosecution of a historic assault increase.
If you have been the victim of a historic or recent sexual attack then you should report it to the police; you may save someone having to suffer as you have.
In addition to reporting the matter to the police you should also consider a claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) who make payments to the victims of violent crime and that includes sexual assault and rape. You don’t need a conviction; you don’t need an arrest – all you have to show is that, on the balance of probability that the incident occurred.
If your attacker is independently wealthy or attacked you during the course of their employment you may be able to bring a civil claim for your injuries and losses.
To find out more get in touch with Gartons Solicitors today:
Call 0113 237 9617 (24 hours)
Email: mmassen@gartonsolicitors.co.uk
Visit our website: www.rapeandsexualassaultclaim.co.uk