I am very sad to hear the various reports of abuse in this thread and also the seeming lack of progress in bringing these matters effectively to justice. It sounds like the correct authorities have been informed.
The problem indeed seems to be evedential as many of these alleged incidents occured behind closed doors.
It would seem that based on what has been said here, that IF true, and it can be brought to trial with the correct level of proof, Hansard could face criminal proceedings for at the very least Common Assault under S.39 Criminal Justice ACt 1988 and probably S.3 Sexual Offences Act 2003.
Obviously the Police / CPS do not seem to believe they have this level of proof (If they have actually been informed) or they would probably have arrested Hansard by now and he would be awaiting trial.
It is also possible for a person to take a private legal action (possibly in the tort of "trespass to the person" in this case) this would be expensive, however there are certain no win no fee options that could be investigated. A person might also be eligable for legal aid. This if successful would result in Hansard (or his insurance company) having to pay damages to the people concerned. This would include any psychological damage.
I think the best chance of success is if all the people which have suffered in this way get together and:
A) inform the police as a group, if they have not done so. I believe the Saphire unit are the people to talk to but any local police station will do.
B) Consider a private joint claim against Hansard. (sometimes certain charities will help fund private actions of this nature try [
washrag.org])
I understand that many people who have suffered this kind of abuse do not wish to dredge up the past and do not wish to undergo the trauma of reliving unpleasant events in the witness box. The burden of proof in criminal proceedings is on the crown to show that the crime was commited "beyond reasonable doubt" this is for a good reason.
What it will need is a very brave woman or women to start the ball rolling, someone who makes the decision that she will not be silent, will not be intimidated and for the sake of women who might be abused in the future is prepared to go the distance and do something about it!
Also be aware that the courts can take measures to minimise the trauma of giving such evidence (for example by using statements or video evidence) so the process may be much easier than you think. (see extract below) be aware that although reference to the age of the victim is made these measures can be used for any witness who is intimidated regardless of age.
Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 c. 23Part II GIVING OF EVIDENCE OR INFORMATION FOR PURPOSES OF CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGSChapter I SPECIAL MEASURES DIRECTIONS IN CASE OF VULNERABLE AND INTIMIDATED WITNESSES Preliminary This version in force from: July 27, 1999 to present
(version 1 of 1)
17.— Witnesses eligible for assistance on grounds of fear or distress about testifying.(1) For the purposes of this Chapter a witness in criminal proceedings (other than the accused) is eligible for assistance by virtue of this subsection if the court is satisfied that the quality of evidence given by the witness is likely to be diminished by reason of fear or distress on the part of the witness in connection with testifying in the proceedings.
(2) In determining whether a witness falls within subsection (1) the court must take into account, in particular—
(a) the nature and alleged circumstances of the offence to which the proceedings relate;
(b) the age of the witness;
(c) such of the following matters as appear to the court to be relevant, namely—
(i) the social and cultural background and ethnic origins of the witness,
(ii) the domestic and employment circumstances of the witness, and
(iii) any religious beliefs or political opinions of the witness;
(d) any behaviour towards the witness on the part of—
(i) the accused,
(ii) members of the family or associates of the accused, or
(iii) any other person who is likely to be an accused or a witness in the proceedings.
(3) In determining that question the court must in addition consider any views expressed by the witness.
(4) Where the complainant in respect of a sexual offence is a witness in proceedings relating to that offence (or to that offence and any other offences), the witness is eligible for assistance in relation to those proceedings by virtue of this subsection unless the witness has informed the court of the witness' wish not to be so eligible by virtue of this subsection.
I wish luck and peace to those out there who have suffered
S.