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3f Progression through the CJS
Most clients (35/41, 85%) reported to the police. 11 (26.87%) went to trial (including one awaiting and six precharge). Four (9.8%) of these resulted in convictions. These numbers are a vast improvement to those reported by Mencap, Voice UK and Respond in their 2001 report, where only 22% were investigated by police, 1% went to court, and 0.4% resulted in a conviction. The case below illustrates one client’s successful court case.
Case example: successful court case
After three years of support, Gail’s case was ready to go to court. The LD ISVA and Gail used drawing and painting to explore some of Gail’s worries about court. Gail saved pictures of the SAFE Link logo and the art work they had done in her phone and would look at it at night if she had flashbacks or nightmares to try to ground herself in the present and remind herself of the support she has
in place.
At court, the LD ISVA worked with the officer in charge (OIC) to arrange for Gail to give evidence via video-link from another court to reduce triggers. Gail had an intermediary who ensured adequate breaks were taken and who helped with communication. The LD ISVA was also in the room and would complete grounding techniques when Gail had flashbacks during
giving evidence.
The LD ISVA arranged for the court to let Gail into the body of the courtroom for the sentencing hearing as the public gallery was not accessible for people with mobility issues. She sat with her during the hearing. The defendant was given 20 years imprisonment, with 5 years on an extended licence, and was placed on the sex offenders register for life. Gail was supported for a further 6 months with help with an application
to the criminal injuries compensation authority (CICA) and her recovery from the trial’s impact on her mental health. A year after the court case, the LD ISVA received a text from Gail:
Hi, I know our support is
over, but I just wanted you to know I still have the photos and the posters we made are still on my wall. They still help me so much. Sometimes I just look at your number in my phone and it makes me feel OK and reminds me of what I can do if I put my mind to it. I still have a long way to go but I am doing so much better now. I hope you are still rocking life.
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