The Manchester Evening News reports on moves to stop police confirming the names of arrested abuse suspects.
Peter Garsden, leading abuse solicitor and partner at Simpson Millar, has said that such plans could prevent further victims coming forward.
Peter, who is also President of the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers, said that in several recent high-profile cases, victims had decided to break their silence after attackers’ names had been disclosed. He added that plans by police chiefs to ban forces from confirming the names of those people who were arrested on suspicion of serious crimes could mean some abuse victims never coming forward.
He said: “As someone who works with victims, I would always say that it is best for people to be named at the point of arrest. If someone is arrested, it is not something the police do lightly. They must have a reasonable ground for doing so if not can be sued for wrongful arrest.”
Mr Garsden successfully represented dozens of victims who suffered abuse in Manchester care homes. He added: “What is completely unacceptable is people who are accused arguing that they are entitled to the same level of anonymity as victims. Victims are entitled to anonymity as a result of the fact that they are often vulnerable.”
[Simpson Millar can help victims of abuse claim compensation as well as providing information about the vast network of survivor groups that exist in the UK. if you have been the victim of abuse contact one of our expert abuse solicitors by calling 0845 604 7075 or alternatively email one of our solicitors by clicking on the team page. Your call will be handled in the strictest of confidence.]