Limitation Law part 2

[jimbo]

If members could put their names to this, it would help me with my fight for justice.

Dear Mr Blair


Re: Child Abuse and Time Limits for Starting Legal Proceedings

I am a supporter of victims of abuse in childhood who is concerned that the law relating to the time within which survivors must start legal proceedings is unfair.

I understand lawyers call it the Law of Limitation. Apparently the abuser can escape a claim after 6 years whereas someone who employed him cannot.

I have a personal interest in the subject, as I have a friend who was sexually abused whilst in a Approved school in Liverpool in 1971. He now has a civil action taking place against the owners of the care home which will be heard on the first available date after Jan 2006. He has been informed by his legal team, that he may have a problem with this Limitation Law.

I think it is outrageous that legal rights, and access to justice, should be made more difficult for some of the most vulnerable members of our society, especially in cases such as this, where the victims may take many years to build up their confidence enough to be able to commence proceeding.

I understand that in 2001 the Law Commission suggested amendments in the law to make it fairer for survivors of abuse to start legal proceedings a number of years after the event. Apparently, unfortunately, the amendments have still not been implemented.

I am appealing to you as Prime Minister, and as a father, to support and help us in our endeavour to ensure that all victims of childhood abuse will maintain their opportunity for justice.



I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

I'm not sure how these things work, but it may be an idea to add your names here and print out this wording and sign/address it and post it to your local MP. I hope as many of you as possible will support Jimbo in this, Ian

[elaine]

I will do it ............no problem

[jimbo]

Many thanks.

It may be worth looking at this site in Liverpool and see what some people have had to put up with

www.fireinice.co.uk/portal/default.asp

[zeb]

I will put my name down, print off the page, and send it off........no trouble...

[Andy]

You certainly have my support Jimbo lad……….these ba*tards should NEVER be allowed to get away with their despicable crimes

[jimbo]

Sad when you have to resort to things like this for justice mate

[Andy]

Aye………luckily enough you have the strong will to see this through……………it must be very hard for you and the others to have to relive those horrible memories

[jimbo]

Hi Andy.

It was very hard 10 years ago when the police just turned up on my door after someone had told them what happened to me all those years ago, but after a while you get over that shock mate. Took six months with a councellor but got there

[jimbo]

Hi Folks.

Just had my first reply.

Jim,

I've spoken to Joe regarding your recent e-mail and he has asked that we
write to the Lord Chancellor urging him to bring the law into force
which will make it easier for people who have suffered abuse to start
legal proceedings years after the event.

We'll also make some inquiries regarding the availability of court
transcripts. I'm not sure whether these might be accessible under the
new Freedom of Information Act. I'll let you know.

Best wishes

James McGowan
Office of Joe Benton MP

[Andy]

Any update Jimbo mate