What to do when FALSELY ACCUSED of Sexual or Domestic Violence in the UK in 2024.

Being falsely accused of something you didn't do can be terrifying, and it's natural to react. However, your reactions may be used against you in the future. Therefore, if you are a man facing false accusations of sexual assault or domestic violence in the UK, it is essential to act promptly and cautiously to safeguard yourself and your legal rights. These are not legal recommendations, but rather some suggested actions to consider:

1. Get Legal Counsel Right Away - Reach out to a lawyer with expertise in criminal law, specifically in cases involving sexual assault. It's crucial to seek professional legal guidance BEFORE providing any statements or making decisions. The police investigation may be partial and favour the alleged victim. Refrain from trying to defend yourself immediately, even if you possess evidence, as it could be used against you in the future. Seek legal counsel.

2. Avoid Contacting the Accuser - Refrain from reaching out to the individual accusing you, as any contact could be misconstrued and turned against you. The case of Gary Chant serves as a pertinent illustration of this. It can be incredibly disheartening to be accused of sexual assault or domestic violence by someone you once cared for, but it is crucial not to respond. Even seemingly innocent or straightforward interactions should be minimized, as they may be exploited against you in the future.

3. **Preserve Evidence**

- Make sure to collect and safeguard any evidence that may support your case, such as text messages, emails, social media interactions, or witness statements, AND KEEP THEM in a secure off-site location. This evidence could be essential in proving your innocence. If the police confiscate your devices, you will lose access to your evidence for an extended period. Therefore, it is vital to back up all your data to the cloud or save it to an external location. Often, it can be challenging to retrieve evidence of false accusations, even if they exist, because your devices (phone, computer, etc.) will be seized.

4. Maintain Composure - While facing accusations can be very upsetting, it is crucial to stay composed. Refrain from talking about the situation with others, particularly on social media, as your words might be used against you in court. The accuser's friends and family may try to provoke you into reacting and validating their claims. Your conduct will be scrutinized. Avoid falling into their trap.

5. **Be Ready for a Prejudiced Police Encounter**

- In case the police approach you, remember your right to stay silent until your lawyer arrives. Your lawyer will advise you on how to handle police inquiries. Anticipate a highly prejudiced and one-sided investigation that will not work in your favour due to policy. Engaging in arguments or altercations with the police will not alter how you are treated. Although laws are in place against this, they are not enforced as current policing practices tend to lean towards "believing all alleged victims."

6. Collect Witnesses - Find and contact possible witnesses who can give evidence in your favour, especially if they can offer an alibi or question the reliability of the allegation. Men tend to lose the backing of their friends, family, and colleagues rapidly. It is crucial to gain potential witnesses on your side as soon as possible. Men often retreat in the embarrassment of the accusation and postpone gathering allies, allowing the situation to be influenced in her favour.

7. Be Knowledgeable About Your Rights - Familiarize yourself with your rights according to UK law, such as the entitlement to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. Your solicitor will assist in safeguarding your rights. It is challenging as the investigation is expected to be prejudiced in favour of the purported victim. Nonetheless, it is crucial to record all such violations as they occur, as they may be useful as evidence in court later on. This is an extra weight that wrongly accused men have to carry.

8. Mental Health Support is Important - False accusations can have a severe emotional impact. It is crucial to seek assistance from mental health experts to manage the stress and anxiety that may result from such circumstances. Men often hesitate to seek help and support, which can have detrimental effects on their mental well-being. Men must be mentally and physically prepared to confront these challenges from various angles.

9. Be Ready for a Long Process - Anticipate that the legal proceedings might be time-consuming. Stay patient and keep in constant contact with your legal advisors. The resolution could span several months or even years, particularly if you hold a public position. Understand that your professional future is at stake and consider investing this period in exploring other career paths. Regrettably, this is a common reality in the UK law enforcement sector. The tribunal may dismiss you based on minimal evidence.

10. Counterclaim - Although very rare and challenging, there may be an opportunity to bring a defamation lawsuit against the accuser if the accusation is found to be false. It is advisable to consult your solicitor about this possibility. It is important to note that this course of action is seldom pursued, but legal provisions are in place. https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/perverting-course-justice-and-wasting-police-time-cases-involving-allegedly-false

Finally..

If your devices have been seized by the police for a prolonged period, you are entitled to seek compensation for any losses incurred. For example, if you are under a mobile phone contract and the police have confiscated your device during this period, you are still responsible for the contract and the device costs while it is in police custody. You can submit your phone bill, receipts, and any other relevant documents for the confiscated devices. This not only applies to phones but also to other gadgets like personal computers, laptops, tablets, and any other items taken from you in relation to legal allegations. Seek the claims department for your local police force and make enquiries for losses.