1. Facing the Challenge – Improving services for people with trauma related dissociation.
Peter Garsden
Head of the Abuse department/Solicitor Simpson Millar LLP
President of ACAL (Association of Child Abuse Lawyers)

2. What do I do – 1994 to date? Abuse Compensation cases against
Individuals eg. Lord Greville Janner, Savile
Institutions – > 25 Group Actions since 1994
The Church
Local Authorities for lack of care
Sexual Exploitation
Stalking
Elder Abuse
Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority
What is the purpose of this talk?

3. What relevance is DID to us?
A disorder we encounter infrequently caused by abuse in childhood
Extreme or Ritual Abuse causation
Enduring or Severe abuse at a young age, commonly in the family
Dissociative Amnesia and relevance to time delay arguments
Not Defensive Avoidance

4. Differences between Criminal and Civil Law?
Criminal Law
The Crown v. An Individual
Purpose – the state acts on behalf of the public through the medium of the Police Force to punish with penalties such as imprisonment or fines, individuals who breach the Criminal Law
Result is a Fine, Order, or Imprisonment – or acquittal
Role of the Police & CPS
Magistrates Court and Crown Court, Court of Appeal
Scales of Justice meaning

5. Differences between Criminal and Civil Law?

6. The Criminal Process Reporting the Abuser to the Police
Public/Child Protection Department
Style of Interviewing & Statement
Where to report? Where it happened or local?
Will be believed?
Corroboration and Forensics
SARCS & ISVA’s
The Police Investigation

7. The Criminal Process The Role of the Crown Prosecution Service
Independent of the Police
Prosecute or not.
Bring Criminal Proceedings and instruct barrister
Burden of proof – “beyond reasonable doubt”
Managing refusal to charge

8. The Criminal Process Giving Evidence and the Trial
Preparation
Anonymity
Guilty or Not Guilty - differences
The role of therapy and support during a Criminal Investigation and Trial
Witness Services GP
Role of Support Services & ISVA’s

9. The Civil Process Family Courts Care Proceedings Custody
Divorce & Maintenance & Finances
Care Proceedings
Local Authority
Child Representation & Guardian
Function
Abuse

10. Civil Compensation Civil Courts Summary Why? How? Time Limits & DID
How much does it cost & Legal Aid?
Evidence needed
How long will it take?
How much compensation?

11. Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority
Government Scheme to compensation victims of crimes of violence occurring after 1964
Need for Police Investigation & co-operation
Online scheme
Tariffs
Criminal Convictions
Time Limits
No costs
No blame decision or other party involved

12. Nearly finished now – phew!
Thank you for listening without snoring!
Have you any questions??