Crown prosecution service consultation

Sat, 07/02/2009 - 1:21pm - Karen Machin - 3 Comments
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Just to let you know that there's a current consultation (ending March 1st 2009) on the Crown Prosecution Service's website, that wants your views.

Its about their Policy on prosecuting criminal cases involving people with mental health problems and/or learning disabilities as victims and witnesses

They do highlight the research from Mind  (Another assault, 2007) that people experiencing mental health problems experience shockingly high rates of crime and victimisation. 71% of people in their survey had been the victim of a crime or harrassment in the previous 2 years compared to 22% in the general population.

But I was disappointed to see some of the words they use - some of it seemed to be stuck in the 70s. Its an interesting read, covering credibility of witnesses as well as advocacy (though it doesn't call it that). I haven't seen it publicised, but I hope that others will feel able to answer some of their questions and give their opinions. 

 Please take a look at their consultation and feed in your views.

   http://www.cps.gov.uk/consultations/mhld_index.html  

On the site, there is also a research paper which highlights that training should include materials to raise awareness and understanding amongst prosecutors of Mental health and learning disability issues.

Comments

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Police

Submitted by sara on Fri, 17/07/2009 - 8:36am.

When I am ill the police say call us . When I was sexually assaulted I was told it didnt happen and the CPS dropped the case. Oh hum they are saying.
I found a man crashed on a roundabout. I called the police as he was drunk.They wanted me to go to the police staion to give a statement as I left the scene when the police arrived. I was too anxious and told them that. They were annoyed at this and said they would see what he had to say.He did plead guilty.I phoned up to see what was going to happen . I was later called back and a man said dont worry your little head about it it is all sorted!!!!!!!!! Words failed me.
A few years ago I was charged with assault of a police officer even it was accidental as the judge on the last day conceded but they still gave me a conditional discharge. Oh hum they are saying.
I have been called attention seeking, lonely and other names I cannot say on here. oh hum they are saying.So no I will not call the police anymore.
This leads onto the mental health services. SImiliar comments . A non sensical diagnosis of emotionally unstable borderline personality disorder,anxiety and depression was given. I only found out awhile ago and the diagnosis was given years ago ?????????
I suffered a collapsed lung in pre-school and that with my son having dyslexia and dyspraxia gives the diagnosis a big question mark.I was not asked about history but then I couldnt talk to anyone.
So no I am not happy and have been in a low for a few weeks.
I cant approach anyone as I am classed as an aggressive individual. Words lost in translation. My words are lost. Oh hum they say.
I applaud everyone here.I am not 'getting' at anyone really but a jolly into work is a drop in the ocean compared to discrimination of people who have different thoughts.x

mental health and the courts

Submitted by jillyano on Tue, 10/02/2009 - 11:33pm.

i read your blog with great interest, my 23 yr old bipolar son has been in prison 4 times ,each time was due to the effects of bipolar disorder,these sentences have made his life increasingly difficult, the courts are unwilling to take on board that the person is anything other than a perpetual criminal,and i have been in court with my son to witness the first hand dismissal of the courts that this young man needs help not prison. In a way not only have they sentenced him but myself also , i am left to try to help him rebuild his life,which i am afraid is proving very difficult indeed.As any parent of a child with bipolar knows, to see their child in this particular state is hard enough and until the police and the courts are brought up to speed on mental health and how it affects the individual, not only are the poor souls with bipolar, going to end up in prison and then consequently a criminal record but the families are also facing a life of unjustness.

Thank you

Submitted by Destroyed_By_It on Mon, 09/02/2009 - 9:47pm.

Thank you for informing me of the consultation. I am downloading and printing the material now, and will most certainly be contributing to the process.

My experiences at the hands of the criminal justice system over the last three years has brought me to the edge of my life itself. I am surviving..thank God ( and my wonderful family ), despite the "agencies" which are theoretically here to support and protect those with mental health problems..... not because of them!

Maybe one day I will add my own story to the site for others to read.

When the system labels individuals as "offenders", it is taking the easy option. The conveyor starts, and it is impossible to get anybody to look beyond that label.

Thank you again.