News and Knowledge

Brian Phelps: Former Olympic diver accused of historic sexual abuse  

Shocking new allegations have surfaced against Brian Phelps, a former Olympic diver turned gymnastics coach, with at least 60 young girls reportedly falling victim to abuse.     While maintaining a respected public image, including serving as a commentator for BBC’s Grandstand – Phelps allegedly engaged in disturbing misconduct behind closed doors.  Now, a growing legal…

Care home to close following CQC findings of abuse and neglect

Blackwater Mill Residential Care Home in the Isle of Wight will shut on 29th March after its latest inspection revealed serious safety and wellbeing concerns.   According to the Care Quality Commission (CQC), residents at Blackwater Mill suffered from ‘organisational abuse and neglect.’     The closure was initially ordered after an inspection in March…

Child sexual abuse claims to have time limits removed

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has announced that the three-year time limit for child sexual abuse victims to take action for compensation is to be removed in England and Wales.   The MoJ has also said that laws will be refined, in order to “encourage” apologies from employers regarding conduct of current or former employees,…

Makin Report: Church of England Redress Scheme update

The Church of England has issued an update on its redress scheme designed to compensate victims of abuse.   Known as the Church of England Redress Scheme, it is being created to provide support to individuals who experienced abuse within the Church.     Initially, the scheme was developed in response to criticism and recommendations…

Care home safeguarding: What it is

Care homes play a crucial role in supporting some of the most vulnerable members of society, including older adults and individuals with disabilities.   As such, safeguarding is a key priority in these settings. This article explores the principles, practices, and importance of safeguarding within care environments. And what to do if you feel that…

Male domestic abuse survivors ‘ignored’ as crimes are classed as ‘violence against women’

Men who have survived domestic abuse have said they feel “ignored” by the government because crimes against them are being classified as “violence against women and girls”.   For more than a decade, governments have grouped male victims of domestic abuse, rape, stalking and so-called honour-based violence into the same category as female victims, and…

Eastwood Park Compensation Scheme to open ‘any day’

Eastwood Park Compensation Scheme is due to open ‘any day’ to victims who suffered abuse whilst attending the Eastwood Park Detention Centre.   Located in Falfield, South Gloucestershire, Eastwood Park opened in 1964 to accommodate 95 boys.     Detention Centres were first introduced by the 1948 Criminal Justice Act and were intended to be…

Stuart Hogg: Criticism over domestic abuse sentence for rugby star

A former Scottish rugby captain walked free yesterday after being found guilty of domestically abusing his estranged wife.   However, despite his guilty plea, which involved him admitting to shouting, swearing and acting in an abusive manner over a five year period, he was merely given a community payback order with supervision.     The…

Care home abuse: Five signs to look out for

Nursing homes are supposed to be safe places where vulnerable people, such as the elderly or those with disabilities are looked after by people who are there to support them through everyday life.   However, unfortunately this does not always happen, and sometimes care home residents face abuse at the hands of their carers.  …

Whitefield School Walthamstow: Vulnerable children ‘tortured’ by staff members

Concerns have been raised after footage of staff members abusing autistic children at a special education school in north London has been seen by the BBC.   The CCTV footage shows vulnerable pupils being pinned up against walls, left sitting in vomit and in some cases, pushed and thrown to the ground whilst attending Whitefield…