Pragna Patel, co-director of Project Resist, conducted research for a report released today by the Centre for Women's Justice examining the unjust criminalisation of abuse survivors accused of offences.
The report, titled "They Don't Understand Abuse," draws on perspectives from survivors and women's specialist services regarding police and prosecution responses when survivors face criminal accusations. It recommends urgent systemic reforms.
One documented case describes a survivor falsely accused of child abuse by her abusive partner, resulting in separation from her children, including an infant still breastfeeding.
Patel observed: "The case examples and reflections in this study suggest the privileging of the male voice and downgrading of the voices of women, particularly those who are marginalised."
Harriet Wistrich, CEO of the Centre for Women's Justice, stated that calls for effective legal defences and improved police and prosecution practices have been reinforced by the government-appointed Women's Justice Board.
Read the full report, briefing document, and press release on the Centre for Women's Justice website.