Latest news with #DomesticViolenceDisclosureScheme
The Irish Sun
26-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Dark side of ‘Are We Dating the Same Guy' Facebook groups where ‘cheaters' are unmasked – but who are the REAL victims?
DOZENS of groups using a variation of the name 'Are We Dating the Same Guy' have been popping up on social media in recent years. Initially a US invention starting on Facebook, private and public versions have been emerging across the world, including in the UK since 2022 - but they could pose major legal issues, experts warn. Advertisement 9 The groups see women anonymously post pics of men, asking if they're suitable to date Credit: Getty 9 Many women have criticised some of the groups for posting potentially damaging allegations Credit: Facebook 9 An example of the types of posts Credit: Facebook They say some of the content has led to a surge in legal claims, with 'victims' seeking compensation. The initial purpose was for women to post photos of men they're currently dating or talking to, and allow for others in their local area to raise any potential red flags. Perhaps the man is already seeing someone else, has lied about being married - or worse, has a criminal record for domestic abuse. While many of the groups still serve an important purpose - a barrier to protect women - the posting of unproven allegations is continuing to cause issues. Advertisement Read More News The Sun has seen posts showing men's photos, names and rough location, alongside unverified claims they've previously been in trouble with police, have cheated or are generally of bad character - but there is not accountability. One man - who did not wish to be named - told us his life has been turned upside down with vicious trolls targeting him on X (formally Twitter) after he was posted about on his local Are We Dating page. Seen by The Sun, his face and name were posted in a private group with over 56,000 members, with the anonymous poster asking if they were any red flags she should be aware of. They claimed to have been dating him for a few weeks - though he says he's actually been single for months. Advertisement Most read in The Sun An anonymous responder told them he was "abusive", while another advised they apply for Clare's Law . Clare's Law, also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, is a policy which affords people the right to know if their current partner or ex has any previous history of violence or abuse. Wrongly Accused Family Awarded £75,000 — and They're Millionaires! A string of anonymous comments - possibly all made by one person - then made further damaging allegations, none of which included any proof. Some included how they'd met him on a dating app, and he'd stopped messaging them, with the implication he must be steered clear of because of it. Advertisement The next day the original poster then claimed she'd "done a Clare's law", adding: "Turns out he's very dangerous, abusive, harassing and threatening." She added he also said he had a current wife and kids. He told the Sun: "It's impossible to get a Clare's Law done in 24 hours for a start, so I know it's a lie." He said he also does not have a criminal record - which the scheme would flag up rather than simply claims of him being "dangerous" or his marital status. Advertisement He does, however, have an ex-wife and kids from a previous relationship. He said: "It's causing me massive amounts of anxiety at the moment, I can't get the post taken down, I've been to the police and told them who I think it might be. I think it's one of two ex-girlfriends over the last few months. "Because it's posted anonymously they can't do anything about it. It's caused me huge stress, people are out there spreading lies about me." 9 Users often encourage women to make Clare's Law applications Credit: Facebook Advertisement 9 The groups are also full of 'red flag' discussions Credit: Facebook 9 Some of the views shared have been accused of sexism Credit: Facebook Referring to the breakdown of relationships, he said: "There's a very good chance that both of you have been hurt by each other as well." He added: "Those groups are designed to protect women and keep women safe. But at the moment, I fear it's at the detriment of the safety of men. We have got emotions as well, and feelings, and it does impact us." Advertisement He said he's had multiple video calls with police who are taking no further action. "The police officer told me the force is having hundreds of calls about this from men having this sort of information shared about them online, often it's either misinformation or completely false," he said. "It's just a hate crime, it's done out of malice." The Sun contacted the police force, asking whether it had received a surge in reports but has not had a response. Advertisement 'This group is dangerous' In a comment on one of the groups, which is public and has over 600,000 members, a female user posted: "How do I block this group? "I didn't join it but it shows up constantly. The way yall violate the privacy of total strangers is so completely creepy." Another woman said: "This group is DANGEROUS. The fact people can post in this group anonymously and hide their identity is the most dangerous." The Sun has spoken to a number of digital and legal experts about the popularity of such groups and the possibility of poster's being at risk of legal action. Advertisement Joe Davies, digital expert at "These communities are often formed with the intention of protecting women from deceitful or harmful dating experiences by sharing warnings and comparing notes. "However, while the motivation may be rooted in safety, the execution raises serious legal and ethical concerns. "Posting identifiable photos and accusations about someone's behaviour, without evidence or consent, can open the door to defamation claims, particularly if the information shared is false or misleading. Advertisement "We've seen a notable uptick in men filing police reports, citing reputational damage, harassment, and emotional distress as consequences of being named in these groups. "From a social media governance perspective, platforms like Facebook face increasing pressure to balance free expression with safeguarding individuals from targeted abuse. "These groups often operate in grey areas administered by private users with varying moderation standards, which makes consistency and accountability difficult to enforce. "While these groups may provide a sense of community and vigilance, they can also fuel digital vigilantism and reputational harm. Advertisement "Users must be cautious about what they post, and administrators should enforce strict guidelines to prevent potential legal repercussions. "The line between support and slander is thin, and without proper oversight, these groups risk doing more harm than good." These kinds of pages and websites pose significant risks for those who use them, particularly if what they are posting is false and damaging Rory Lynch Gateley Legal Rory Lynch, of Gateley Legal, agreed: 'These kinds of pages and websites pose significant risks for those who use them, particularly if what they are posting is false and damaging. "Under English defamation law, the claimant (who, in this case, would be the subject of the post in question) could sue the author if they can prove that the post has caused them to suffer 'serious harm'. Advertisement "This may be where the author has made a false allegation that is of a serious criminal nature, which has then been shared and viewed widely (i.e. 'gone viral'). "Users of these sites cannot rely on an anonymous profile for protection either, as it is often possible for specialist cyber firms to identify the author. Unless the author is confident that they can prove what they are saying is true, it is safer to avoid using such sites altogether." Kishan Pattni, of law firm Freeths, added: "A breach of libel and privacy will depend on what is said exactly and the size of the Facebook audience. "If a serious allegation in the group, say sexual assault, is factually put to a lot of people but cannot be proven, that could expose the discloser to a libel claim because it will have caused serious harm to her date's reputation." Advertisement Libel and slander are the written and spoken forms of defamation, a broad legal term referring to false statement's that harm a person's reputation. Privacy damages refer to the financial compensation a person can claim for harm caused by a breach of their privacy, which can include loss of control over their information, distress, and other forms of harm. Put simply, if such false or non-provable claims are made in a group and are seen by enough people then the poster could be successfully sued. Mr Pattni said: "In libel especially, the compensation will help to vindicate an injured reputation but for the date who sues and loses, that reputation could be irreparably damaged under the glare of a public court process." Advertisement Mark Hodgson, a seasoned private investigator who heads 'Misinformation can spread like wildfire in online communities. It's crucial to verify claims and think twice before jumping to conclusions. "Remember, you have no idea what drives other posters; their motives are often shrouded in mystery. "Some might be venting their frustrations, while others could be spreading rumours without a shred of evidence. Advertisement "This kind of sensationalism can spark unnecessary drama and lead to misunderstandings in your own relationship. While these groups may seem helpful, always take their advice with a grain of salt and keep the lines of communication open with your partner." If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. Bailyn Fields, Registered Nurse, Boomer Benefits, also spoke to us about the impact such misinformation can have on someone's mental health. She said: "Being wrongly accused or targeted in online groups can obviously seriously affect a man's mental health. Advertisement "It can lead to feelings of shame, anxiety, and helplessness, especially since information like this spreads quickly and publicly. "Men may find it hard to speak out due to stigma, which can worsen isolation and stress - and if they do speak out about this kind of thing, it's unlikely that people will believe them. "This kind of online harassment can also impact sleep, concentration, and overall wellbeing. "It's important that men know support is available, whether through counselling, trusted friends, or mental health services that understand the specific pressures caused by online reputational attacks. Advertisement "Addressing these issues openly can help reduce stigma and encourage men to seek help sooner." The Sun contacted the National Police Chief's Council, asking for a comment on whether UK forces are receiving reports about such groups. A spokesperson said: "We don't have have any national data to show this as an issue and I think each report would require individual assessment as to whether it constitutes a crime." We have also contacted Facebook owner Meta for comment. Advertisement You're Not Alone EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign. The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: CALM, Heads Together, HUMEN Mind, Papyrus, Samaritans, 9 A post encouraging people to apply for Clare's Law Credit: Facebook 9 A post accusing a man of being a domestic abuser Credit: Facebook 9 The posts offer little evidence - and could pose legal issues Credit: Facebook Do you know more? Email Advertisement
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
He strangled her, spat in her face then picked up a knife and threatened to kill her dog
He strangled her, spat in her face then picked up a knife and threatened to kill her dog A violent thug strangled and spat on his former girlfriend during a brutal reign of terror, before threatening her with a knife and threatening to kill her dog. Marvin King became 'jealous and controlling' after first beginning his relationship with the victim in August 2024. In one incident in October - just weeks after they got together - the victim recalled King taking her phone and accusing her of being unfaithful, a court heard. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement When she tried to get her phone back, he 'gripped' her by the throat and strangled her before spitting in her face. Moments later, King picked up a kitchen knife and threatened to kill her dog, Cheshire Police said. Join our Court and Crime WhatsApp group HERE Fearing for their safety, the victim then attempted to flee the property with her dog but was stopped at the door twice by King who wouldn't allow her to leave. The attack continued until the victim agreed to remove any men from her social media accounts, Chester Crown Court was told. The following day, the victim reported the incident to police and King was arrested and subsequently charged. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The 33-year-old of Everest Road in Atherton, Wigan, was found guilty of intentional strangulation, section 39 assault, and threats to commit criminal damage following a three-day trial at Chester Crown Court. He appeared for sentencing on April 22, where he was jailed for two years and handed a four-year restraining order against the victim. Following his sentencing Police Constable Craig Simmonds said: 'This was an extremely traumatising experience for the victim in this case and I hope that King's sentencing, along with his four-year restraining order, will provide her with some reassurance. 'Domestic abuse is not acceptable and will never be tolerated, and we want to send out a clear message that nobody should have so have to suffer in silence. If you are a victim of domestic abuse, or if you know someone who is a victim, please get in touch. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement 'Help is also available through the National Domestic Violence Helpline, on 0808 2000 247. In addition, if you have concerns about your current or ex-partner, because you're worried they may have a history of abuse and are a risk to you, then you can submit a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application. 'The scheme, also known as Clare's law, enables the police to release information about any previous history of violence or abuse that a person might have.' To report any incidents of domestic abuse contact police on 101 or, in an emergency, call 999. --- Day in day out, our reporters in the Manchester Evening News newsroom bring you remarkable stories from all aspects of Mancunian life. However, with the pace of life these days, the frenetic news agenda and social media algorithms, you might not be getting a chance to read it. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement That's why every week our Features and Perspectives editor Rob Williams brings you Unmissable, highlighting the best of what we do - bringing it to you directly from us. Make sure you don't miss out, and see what else we have to offer, by clicking here and signing up for MEN Daily News. And be sure to join our politics writer Jo Timan every Sunday for his essential commentary on what matters most to you in Greater Manchester each week in our newsletter Due North. You can also sign up for that here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to see everything we offer, including everything from breaking news to Coronation Street. If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our news desk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it. And finally, if there is a story you think our journalists should be looking into, we want to hear from you. Email us on newsdesk@ or give us a ring on 0161 211 2920.
The Irish Sun
22-04-2025
- The Irish Sun
My boyfriend's abuse was bad I slept in the attic as my 8-year-old comforted me & told me ‘it'd be okay'
AN abuse victim who was stalked by her partner and tracked with a hidden Apple AirTag is urging women to check their partner's domestic violence records. Stephanie Boardman, 31, is now too afraid to leave the house after running away from her relationship with Franco Lucci, 33. Advertisement 5 Stephanie Boardman, victim of domestic abuse Credit: SWNS 5 Franco Lucci and Stephanie Boardman Credit: SWNS 5 Franco Lucci, aged 33, abused his partner, Stephanie Boardman, from Leigh Credit: SWNS The couple got together in 2022. While he seemed 'charming' at first, things went downhill after they moved in together. Franco began to accuse her of cheating, got angry when she spoke with friends, called her names including 'sl**' and 'b****', covertly recorded her conversations, and even smashed her phone against a wall. The mum-of-three said: "I'd reached a point where I couldn't keep sleeping in the attic with my daughters in floods of tears, and having my eight-year-old stroking my head, telling me it was all going to be OK. "It's not normal, it should be the other way around. That was one of the final straws for me. Advertisement READ MORE ON MENTAL HEALTH "I slept in the attic the night before I ran, with my 14-month-old son in the bed. "I woke up because he was wet, he'd seeped through his pyjamas and the bedding. "I got up, got him changed, and put him in the bed with Franco to keep him warm. Immediately Franco started going off on one again. "I went down, got myself changed, took my son with me. I thought 'this is it, if I don't go now, I won't go', and I went." Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Just before they moved in together, one of Stephanie's daughters found an Apple AirTag hidden under the seat in her car - which the now-convicted stalker said he had simply lost. Later in the relationship, Stephanie found that Lucci had activated a Google Maps tracker on her phone without her knowledge after he texted asking why she was at a particular location. Stacey Solomon figths back tears as Sort Your Life Out guest breaks down over harrowing past Just weeks before she finally ran away, Stephanie found her boyfriend would know what she had been saying on private phone conversations with her own mother. She later found out he had covertly placed a phone in their living room to record her while he was out. Advertisement Stephanie said: "I let a lot of things slide, because I did love him. He had that control over me. "He had that power over me, I was completely in love with him so I did a lot of things that he did, and let the red flags at the beginning slide." Clare's Law Now, Stephanie, who lives in Wigan, Greater Manchester, is hoping to promote the use of 'Clare's Law ', also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme. After reporting Franco to police in February 2024, she found out he was known to Avon and Somerset Police, having made 'threats to kill' a victim and punching a hole in a wall. Advertisement The disclosure also noted that Lucci had a non-molestation order against him in relation to one of his former partners. The abusive partner was released pending police enquiries, but began to stalk his ex-partner in June 2024, trying to phone her 71 times and showing up at her home despite an order not to contact her. I would recommend highly utilising Clare's Law Stephanie Stephanie said: "I didn't originally know about Clare's Law, it was the police that applied for the disclosure on my behalf, because they deemed it in my best interest. "Originally I retracted my statement. At that point I was still in love with him and very much in a fantasyland of 'we'll get back together and everything will be OK'. Advertisement "Then it just went worse. I got a fire in my bonnet. The Clare's Law highlighted so much of his past. "I would recommend highly utilising Clare's Law." On April 7, Lucci, of Bolton, Greater Manchester, was sentenced to 20 months in prison, suspended for two years. Bolton Crown Court At Bolton Crown Court, Judge Nicholas Clarke KC said: "This is a case which involves insidious and pernicious behaviour by you, where you had used an AirTag and have activated the tracking of her phone on your device and used a secondary audio recording device in her home for up to 12 hours at a time to monitor every aspect of her life. "You have broken her devices and you have behaved in the most appalling manner towards her." Advertisement He added: "You should really carry around a red flag to warn any future partners of your misconduct." The abuser was also given a restraining order for 10 years which means he can't go within 50 metres of any address Stephanie lives at, and he's subject to a five-month curfew from 8pm to 7am. Stephanie says she's glad justice has been served - but she is still too afraid to leave the home alone. 5 Franco he continued to abuse his partner, throwing her phone against the wall Credit: SWNS Advertisement 5 The two had a child together Credit: SWNS She said: "I don't work at the minute, due to everything that's been going on. I haven't left the house since February last year. "I don't leave the house on my own. One of his big threats was he was going to take [my son] and run away to Italy and I'd never see him again. "That's been one of the forefront fears in my head. If I go out on my own, without backup, if he approaches me all he has to do is grab the pram and he's gone. Advertisement "I don't leave the house out of fear of that." Domestic abuse - how to get help DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone - including men - and does not always involve physical violence. Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship: Emotional abuse - Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse - gaslighting - being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak to Threats and intimidation - Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you Physical abuse - This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten. Sexual abuse - Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent. If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers: on 0808 2000 247 for free at any time, day or night Men who are being abused can call Respect Men's Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 or on 0182 3334 244 Those who identify as LGBT+ can ring on 0800 999 5428 If you are in immediate danger or fear for your life, always ring 999 Remember, you are not alone. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime. Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Yahoo
Man controlled woman's phone and pulled her clothes down in public
A man who subjected a woman to years of physical, emotional abuse and intimidation has been jailed for two years and six months. Robert Rawson's behaviour included preventing the St Helens victim talking to her family and pulling her clothes down in public. The 62-year-old also controlled the use of the victim's phone tracking her movements, money and actions, and demeaned her in front of her child and posted intimate images of her online. Rawson, of Broom Nook, Belle Isle, Leeds pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour and perverting the course of justice at Liverpool Crown Court today, Monday, March 24. He was sentenced to 30 months and given a restraining order for 15 years. Detective Inspector Steven O'Neill said: 'I hope the sentencing of Rawson sends a strong message that coercive and controlling behaviour simply will not be tolerated. 'I would like to emphasise that there is plenty of help available to anyone who may be suffering domestic abuse of any kind and together with partner agencies, we will do all that we can to support you, if you come forward.'Domestic abuse can happen to anyone and we have specially trained officers who will listen to you and support you with sensitivity and compassion. Likewise, I would ask everyone to look out for your family members, friends or neighbours that may be suffering. Everything you tell us is taken extremely seriously and will be investigated thoroughly.'If you have any non-urgent information on domestic abuse – if you are a victim or believe someone you know is a victim - you can contact us via direct message @MerPolCC on Twitter, 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook or contact @CrimestoppersUK, anonymously on 0800 555 you are in immediate danger, always call 999. If you ring 999 and are not in a safe position to speak to police then cough, or tap, the phone and press 55, when prompted. This will alert the operator that you need assistance and police will provide support. You can also request information under Clare's Law, the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme. This scheme enables the police to release information about any previous history of violence or abuse a person might have. Find out more here. Further information on the local and national support available can be found here. Merseyside Police recently launched its Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) campaign to put the voices of women and girls at the heart of our work to tackle VAWG. You can find out more about the campaign here. For the latest news and breaking news visit Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by signing up to our daily and breaking newsletter. Sign up to our breaking news newsletter here. Follow us on Twitter @LivECHONews - the official Liverpool ECHO Twitter account - real news in real time. We're also on Facebook/theliverpoolecho - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.
The Independent
17-03-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Need for domestic abuse offence is ‘national emergency', says MP in Commons call
An MP who recalled his childhood experiences seeing 'broken glass or a kicked-in Hoover' has described the need for a domestic abuse offence as a 'national emergency'. Josh Babarinde said offences like grievous bodily harm (GBH) and assault could be labelled 'domestic abuse aggravated' to distinguish them from other forms of violence. The Liberal Democrat MP for Eastbourne suggested that without a specific offence, initiatives such as Clare's Law are weakened if abusers can 'explain away' their crimes. Justice minister Alex Davies-Jones warned that Mr Babarinde's proposal would risk creating a narrow definition of domestic abuse, particularly in cases where survivors do not experience physical violence. Mr Babarinde told the Commons: 'I know what it is to be crying upstairs under the covers as a child, listening to shouting, screaming, smashing and the rest coming from downstairs and not knowing if mum was OK. 'I know what it is to go downstairs the morning after and see broken glass or a kicked-in Hoover and the rest, and to not know whether mum was OK. 'I know what it is to live in a household where you're worried that any word that you say, any movement that you do, any thought that you might have, can be attacked by an abuser in your own home who's meant to keep you safe and who you are meant to trust.' Mr Babarinde said creating the specific offence of domestic abuse would be 'patching up what is a legal loophole', with the justice system treating crimes between couples and family members as specific offences such as GBH or assault. He proposed a 'series of domestic abuse aggravated offences in the law, so in the same way that we have racially and religiously aggravated ABH, GBH, assault etcetera, we would have a domestic abuse aggravated equivalent'. The MP referred to a written question he tabled in January when he asked the Ministry of Justice how many domestic abusers were serving prison sentences in England and Wales. The department found it was 'not possible to robustly calculate the number of domestic abusers in prison or their reoffending rate' because their crimes 'are recorded under the specific offences for which they are prosecuted, such as intentional strangulation or suffocation'. Mr Babarinde told MPs that the lack of data was a 'national scandal', adding: 'The Government has a really powerful ambition that I fully support to halve violence against women and girls over the next decade, but how can we possibly know if we're achieving that if we don't know how many domestic abusers are in prison at any given time?' Turning to Clare's Law (the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme), which allows people to request information about their current or ex-partner's past charges or convictions if they are worried about a history of abuse, Mr Babarinde said: 'It would be very easy for an abusive partner to explain away a conviction or a charge for assault or battery as a brawl between them and a stranger in a pub, say. 'But can you explain away domestic abuse aggravated assault in the same way? No.' Ms Davies-Jones said in response: 'I am not convinced that his particular solution to create that series of domestic abuse aggravated offences is the right one. But I am concerned about the unintended consequences of trying to capture and define, via a list of specific offences, the full spectrum of offences in which domestic abuse could be a factor. As we've heard this evening, it is very vast. 'I am extremely wary that attempting to do so could unwittingly create a system in which some offences are deemed serious enough to constitute offences which could be aggravated by domestic abuse, whereas other offences in which domestic abuse could play a part, are not. 'We should not, for example, return to the outdated view that domestic abuse only involves physical violence.' The minister later added: 'This Government is dedicated to ensuring that the harm caused by offences typically committed against women and girls, including domestic abuse, is appropriately and proportionately reflected in the sentencing framework.'
