Latest news with #victimsupport
BBC News
a day ago
- General
- BBC News
Coach who raped and sexually assaulted girls jailed
A women who was raped when she was a child says her abuser "violated boundaries I hadn't yet learned how to name".Michael Haynes, from Urmston in Greater Manchester, has been jailed for 18 years for raping and assaulting two girls in the 1980s and 76-year-old was found guilty at Manchester Crown Court after a woman contacted police in 2020 and consequent media coverage led to the second woman filing a report in Manchester Police said they "believed there may be further victims" who they encouraged to contact them. Haynes was working at Trafford School of Gymnastics, when he assaulted the girls, starting with inappropriate touching - including when apparently helping with stretching also asked one of his victims, when she was 12 years old, inappropriate questions about relationships. 'Confusion and shame' Police said he committed a range of offences from sexual touching to rape with "offences occurring in his vehicle".In a victim impact statement read to the court, one of the women said: "Michael Haynes violated boundaries I hadn't yet learned how to name."I didn't understand what had happened – or how I felt about it. I just knew something had shifted in me."She said "something had been taken by someone I trusted, and I carried confusion and shame for many years"."I still live with the effects of what happened, but I also live with pride in who I've become. All you have left now is shame." Appeal for more information The other woman said she joined the gym at the age of about 10 as "a young kind-hearted child with the hopes and dreams of being a British gymnast"."When the abuse started shortly after, I felt lost and scared, and I have carried the weight and worry through life ever since."She said social media and documentaries had "comforted and inspired" her to report "the abuse I suffered all those years ago".Det Insp Rick Lees, from Greater Manchester Police, called it a "harrowing investigation"."Following our investigation, we believe there may be further victims who Haynes taught gymnastics from the same time period of the late 1980s to early 1990s, who may have previously felt unable to come forward."We would like to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone who has been a victim of any form of sexual abuse, whether it be recent or non-recent to please get in touch with us, no matter how long ago it was - we will listen to you and we can help."Haynes, from Barnfield in Urmston, was found guilty of eight counts of rape and 12 counts of indecent has also been listed on the sex offenders register for an indefinite period.
The Guardian
a day ago
- General
- The Guardian
Ex-assistant who alleges Sean ‘Diddy' Combs raped her returns to stand in trial
A former assistant to Sean 'Diddy' Combs, who testified on Thursday that the music mogul physically and sexually assaulted her when she worked for him, returned to the stand on Friday morning. Testifying under the pseudonym Mia to protect her identity, the woman shared that she worked for Combs from 2009 to 2017 as his personal assistant and director of development and acquisition for his music business, starting at the age of 25. During her testimony on Thursday, Mia alleged that the rapper and producer assaulted her, both physically and sexually, on multiple occasions. 'He's thrown things at me, he's thrown me against the wall, he's thrown me into a pool, he's thrown an ice bucket on my head, he's slammed my arm into a door, and he's sexually assaulted me,' Mia told the court. She also recalled how Combs would sometimes treat her like a best friend or working partner, but how at other times, he treated her 'like a worthless piece of crap'. Mia testified that she felt 'trapped' in the situation, describing Combs's conduct towards her as 'the most shameful thing of my life', testifying tearfully in barely a whisper about how he raped her. Mia told the court that she was fearful of physical harm from Combs. 'I didn't want to die or get hurt,' she said. 'I couldn't tell him 'no', like, about a sandwich,' she said. 'I couldn't tell him 'no' about anything. There's no way I could tell him 'no' because then he would know that I thought what he was doing was wrong and then I would be a target.' Mia testified that she feared that if she had left or been fired that Combs would 'ruin my future'. Combs has denied all allegations of sexual assault. The 55-year-old music mogul faces federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution. Arrested in September 2024, Combs has pleaded not guilty to all five counts. While Combs's defense team has acknowledged his history of domestic violence, they have argued that he is not guilty of sex trafficking or racketeering, and denied any criminal enterprise. They also have denied that Combs sexually assaulted anyone, and have asserted that all sexual encounters were consensual. On Thursday, Mia also testified that on more than one occasion, she also witnessed Combs physically assaulting Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura, his on-again, off-again girlfriend of 11 years, who is a key witness in this case. Earlier in the trial, Ventura spent four days on the witness stand detailing the physical and emotional abuse she says she endured from Combs during their relationship and testified that she was coerced and blackmailed into participating in 'freak-offs' – drug-fueled sex performances with male sex workers that Ventura said Combs directed. During cross examination, Combs's lawyers sought to portray Ventura as a consenting participant in the 'freak-offs.' Since the trial began on 12 May, more than 16 witnesses have testified, including Ventura, rapper Kid Cudi, singer Dawn Richard, two of Combs's former assistants, a celebrity stylist, Ventura's former best friend and her mother, an exotic dancer, a male revue manager, a hotel security officer, a special agent from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a forensic psychologist, a makeup artist, the general manager of a Beverly Hills hotel and a computer forensics agent from HSI. The trial is expected to last several more weeks. If convicted on all counts, Combs could face up to life in prison. Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse issues is available from the following organizations. In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673. In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support on 0808 500 2222. In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732). Other international helplines can be found at
BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Bedford man jailed for raping woman over several years is jailed
A man has been jailed for 15 years for raping a young woman over several Foster, 49, from Laxton Way, Bedford began to abuse the victim when she was a child by making sexual comments and sending inappropriate text was found guilty of three counts of rape, one count of sexual activity with a child and one count of making indecent images of sentencing at Luton Crown Court he was also told he would spend a further seven years on an extended licence once he was released from prison. Foster has also been made the subject of a full sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order. 'Crippling anxiety' It follows an investigation by Bedfordshire Police's Protecting Vulnerable People victim said in her impact statement: "I have been left with crippling anxiety."I struggle to sleep due to night terrors every night where I dream that I am back there reliving the abuse."Investigation officer Lauren Shelley said: "Foster is a dangerous offender who has shown no responsibility for his vile actions."I commend the victim's bravery in coming forward to report this horrific ordeal. "Her courage has been instrumental in securing justice. It is never too late to report. "Our specially trained victim engagement officers provide dedicated support throughout the investigation and justice process, helping victims move forward and begin to heal." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Hate crime low in Dungannon but stats may show underreporting
The impact of targeted hate crimes often leaves victims feeling traumatised, bereft, fearful and intimidated in their own homes and workplaces – that's according to Victim Support NI Hate Crime Project Manager, Michael Avila. On a visit to Reach food bank in Dungannon last week, Mr. Avila and his colleague, Dawn McCartney, met with volunteers and service users to discuss the effect of hate crimes on victims and their families, and how to access support. Despite Dungannon being one of the most diverse towns in Northern Ireland, the rate of hate crime per capita in the Mid Ulster policing area is among the lowest in Northern Ireland, with the lowest rate in the Fermanagh and Omagh policing area. However, Mr. Avila believes the statistics may not tell the full story. 'In many ways, Mid Ulster is one of NI's councils exhibiting best practice when it comes to integration and fostering good relations between different communities,' he told The Impartial Reporter. 'In the last three financial years, we have had 41 referrals with a Dungannon address. This amounts to 13.7 referrals per year from Dungannon. This is very good when we compare it to other areas with high ethnic diversity. However, I don't doubt that there is underreporting.' He added: 'When we see a spike in referrals, it could either be that hate crimes have increased or that more crimes are being reported. When it's lower, it could be that people feel less likely to come forward.' Language barriers, education levels, service gaps and understanding of local laws could all contribute to underreporting. 'In an area where many migrants are working in factories, people may find it harder to report crimes. Whereas in other parts of NI, more migrants may be working in health or the private sector, which may attract migrants with higher English and education levels who may find the reporting process easier,' he said. Hate crime is defined as any incident perceived to have been committed against a person or property on the grounds of a person's ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or disability. Victim Support NI recognises that these crimes can happen anywhere – at home, in public, or at school or work – and may involve threats, verbal abuse, arson, robbery, violence, or damage to property. Mr. Avila explained that hate crime often begins with 'a slur or a small act of intimidation' but the effects can be long-lasting, particularly if someone has been repeatedly targeted. 'Paranoia is something we see often, but it's a realistic paranoia. If someone is being intimidated in their own home, where most people find peace, they can't experience that. It always plays on their minds,' he said. 'Hate crime leaves people feeling frustrated, fearful, and it can affect their mental health. These types of crimes can be very traumatic, especially as people are likely to be targeted repeatedly because of their identity. In 2023/24, Victim Support NI received 1,013 referrals across Northern Ireland. That rose to 1,369 in 2024/25. Of the 356 increase, more than 300 were racially motivated. Mr. Avila said: 'The riots in Belfast last August accounted for some of the increase but, even if you were to remove that month, racial hate crime has seen a vast increase in the last 3–5 years.' He added: 'Hate crimes have officially been recorded since 2004 and, because of the peace process, we've seen sectarianism decrease over time but as Northern Ireland has become more diverse, race has taken its place. 'Immigration is blamed for a lack of housing, but there would still be a housing crisis without immigration. Minority ethnic businesses remain vulnerable, with housing intimidation and anti-social behaviour on the rise, sometimes orchestrated by paramilitaries. Michael said depleted PSNI neighbourhood teams, alongside a need for education and restorative justice, add to the problem. Support Available Victim Support NI offers assistance regardless of whether an incident has been reported to police. Mr. Avila said: 'From the moment they report an incident to the charity, to all the way through the criminal justice system, victims can receive practical and emotional support. From follow-ups with police, housing issues, signposting to other organisations, after-court support, including complaints, compensation claims, we can help. We are able to move things for people, and we've seen hundreds of people re-homed from extreme situations. 'We see things from the victim's point of view. The criminal justice system is interested in justice and concentrates on the perpetrator, so we focus on the victim and help them navigate the justice system, which can be quite a cold process. 'In the 1,013 referrals we received last year, only 34 were being considered for trial and, only at the point of conviction does the judge ask if there is hate motivation. We don't really have hate crime laws here, we have hate sentencing laws though new legislation is to be tabled at the end of this year with a new statutory aggravation model which should open things up a bit.' Reach food bank manager Ally Moore added:'It is essential that anyone who has been a victim of hate crime has access to this free service that provides guidance and reassurance through all the police and court proceedings. The people from the hate crime advocate service have a wealth of knowledge that can help put the victim's mind at ease and enable them to know that they are not on their own.'
ABC News
4 days ago
- Health
- ABC News
Woman abused by former NSW Police officer Jonathan Charles Bettles talks of 'emotional turmoil'
A woman who endured a string of domestic violence offences by a NSW Police officer has told a court of her "constant emotional turmoil" and lingering trauma, saying the "betrayal cuts deeper" because of the uniform he once wore. Jonathan Charles Bettles pleaded guilty to 14 charges in December, which were committed over a period of about 18 months to mid-2021 against a woman with whom he was in a relationship. The 37-year-old on Wednesday faced a sentence hearing in Burwood Local Court, where his lawyer accepted it was a "very serious course of offending". His charges include five counts of common assault, six of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two of destroying or damaging property and one of doing an act to pervert the course of justice. In a victim impact statement read by her daughter, the woman outlined how she no longer feels safe, relies on antidepressant medication to cope, and carries the weight of trauma. She said the abuse represented a "breaking point that has reshaped my entire life". "Since these events, I have lived my life in constant emotional turmoil," she said in the statement. "The trauma never fades, it lingers … It wakes me up in the middle of the night, it follows me during the day like a shadow I can't escape. The woman said the crimes have led to her pushing away friends and distancing herself from family members. It was made worse, she said, because they were committed by a "violent and toxic" man who'd sworn to serve and protect the community. "The betrayal cuts deeper from that uniform he once wore," she said. "I feared that no-one would believe me because of who he was." The magistrate was told the woman was lucky to have had people in her support network who did believe her. She said she now wants justice not only for herself, but for all those who've endured domestic violence. The court heard the conduct included demeaning acts such as pouring Coke over the woman and incidents of actual striking, along with attempted influence over her to make a false report to police. Defence lawyer Bryan Wrench argued for his client to be spared a custodial sentence and instead be placed on an intensive correction order, saying Bettles had been held on remand for about six months and served approximately 14 in home detention. Mr Wrench said without "diluting" what occurred, the offences were committed against a backdrop of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) acquired from his client's role as a police officer. The former senior constable, who joined the force in 2013, took two weeks off due to his mental health in May 2021 and was then on medical leave until he was charged in September 2023. "The mental health issues are severe," Mr Wrench submitted. Mr Wrench said Bettles was granted Supreme Court bail largely to allow him to continue receiving treatment from a psychologist and psychiatrist, describing the incidents as "all singular acts of violence". The Crown Prosecutor disputed that they could be characterised as "singular outbursts" but rather a "series of events", while accepting PTSD was a matter to be taken into account. The Crown argued material before the court showed what appeared to be an "unwillingness" to accept responsibility for the conduct. Bettles, who is no longer employed by NSW Police, will be sentenced on Monday afternoon.
