Your Story

[DeclanH]

I hope you don't mind me using this thread in trying to make contact.

My name is Declan, I am a journalist with BBC Radio and we are currently working on a story about false rape allegations.

We are hoping to speak to young men who have faced and been cleared of such accusations. We would like to highlight the impact it has had on their lives, how they felt they were treated within the judicial system, and what improvements need to be made.

It has been suggested by one rape victims' charity that the (relatively small) number of men falsly accused are unlucky but essentially the system must be maintained so that women are automatically believed. I would like your thoughts on that too.

I don't wish to discuss the story any further on here, but am happy to do so over email. If you have been cleared of a false rape allegation and would be interested in taking part in this stort and raise awareness of the issues then do email me: declan.harvey@bbc.co.uk

Due to our demographic, our case studies will need to be aged 27 or under. Naturally, you can remain completely anonymous, should you so wish.

Thanks in advance,
Declan.

[RFLH]

Hi Declan - I've moved your post so that it'll be seen by more people.

I hope you will get some responses.

[IvorBinWronged]

cannon fodder...

Declan, people on this site are probably in no position to go up against some legal whizz from Women Against Rape (WAR). Your post already smacks of bait.

Can you make it clearer in what format this programme will take and what protection you and your organisation will afford the members?

The timing of this also makes the following question obvious:

"Is this programme to do with Jimmy Saville"

I trust neither Plod nor Journalists.

Members beware!

[DeclanH]

Your Story #2

Declan, people on this site are probably in no position to go up against some legal whizz from Women Against Rape (WAR). Your post already smacks of bait.

Can you make it clearer in what format this programme will take and what protection you and your organisation will afford the members?

The timing of this also makes the following question obvious:

"Is this programme to do with Jimmy Saville"

I trust neither Plod nor Journalists.

Members beware!

Hi Ivor,

Thanks for your message. Let me firstly say, catagorically, this story has nothing to do with Jimmy Saville and is not intended to air for several weeks.

Secondly, let me explain my apparent hesitancy to give fuller details of our piece: it is for for market reasons, pure and simple. I am uncomfortable in revealing our programme ideas this far in advance in public - I'm sure you can understand that. However, I am happy to correspond with individuals directly via email (as I have done already today with people from this site).

I would certainly not expect anyone from this site to go head-to-head with a "legal whizz". Not only would it not be fair, it would be inappropriate for the report. The tone will be something very different, and considerably less sensationalised. The format of any interview would be pre-recorded, one-on-one, with me at a location of the interviewees choosing.

As for protecting anonymity - there is a well trodden path for keeping identities secret. It is, in fact, routine when reporting on stories of this serious nature. However it requires a level of trust, as does any involvement with the piece. I can only assure and reassure, but ultimatley, if someone is uncomfortable in taking part, then they probably shouldn't.

That said, the issue of false rape allegation is a serious one, and deserves to be refelcted in a balanced mature way. Again I am happy to discuss this thoroughly and talk about any concerns in confidence via email: declan.harvey@bbc.co.uk

Best,

Declan.

[whatsgoingon?]

I'm so happy this is going to get an airing . I hope you will treat it with the sensitivity and insight it deserves. Peoples lives are made hell.... not just for the present.... not just them but also their families.... relashionships within the family and with friends... their children in particular, the damage to whom seems neither to be assessed or considered..... employment... travel.... self- realisation.... the list is endless.
If you're doing this seriously, then thanks.

[IvorBinWronged]

we'll hold you to that...

Young Journalist of the Year - big hitter...

I hope you've got the balls to go after the jugular/s:

There's good evidence to suggest at least 50 percent of rape accusations are false...

There is NO assumption of innocence on the guys side whatsoever...

There's no aftercare when she's found to be full of **** and not even a hint of a fair system of arrest and conviction for her even when she has admitted it...

There shoud be polygraphs on both sides - if they're willing to go to Jeremy Kyle to do it then I suggest it's a standard starting point...

Finally, we all know that unless you steer clear of these issues, your career will be as blossoming as Jimmy Savilles - dare you to prove us wrong!

[Faith]

I have discussed this with Declan via email.
Anyone that feels as if they want to put across their story should contact him and feel assured they can retain their anonymity if they prefer.
Please bear in mind that the BBC will of course only be interested in cases where there is proof of a false allegation. So, for example, those of us who have been NFA'd wouldn't be considered.

This is aimed at those with NG verdicts or No Crimes where they can show that they have been lied about.

It'snot a bad thing to get out there. Rights Fighter and I contributed our stories and opinions to a radio project once before on the matter and all it involved was a one on one recorded chat. No juggernaut showdowns with campaigners!

[Boys don't cry]

BDC at the BBC will never happen.
I am more than twenty seven.

[whatsgoingon?]

That's a shame BDC... sounds like you would have been ideal.

[Boys don't cry]

Thank you Whatsgoingon?

I swear for all of us I would have been Hercules.

[Rights Fighter]

Bless you BDC. I have contacted Declan.

[DeclanH]

Thank you.

I'm so happy this is going to get an airing . I hope you will treat it with the sensitivity and insight it deserves. Peoples lives are made hell.... not just for the present.... not just them but also their families.... relashionships within the family and with friends... their children in particular, the damage to whom seems neither to be assessed or considered..... employment... travel.... self- realisation.... the list is endless.
If you're doing this seriously, then thanks.

We hope to achieve exactly what you have outlined. Thank You.

[Izzy]

We hope to achieve exactly what you have outlined. Thank You.

It would be nice if that was the case Declan. I however can understand people being wary as the BBC are receiving so much criticism over their decision not to air the Jimmy Savile Newsnight programme, I wonder if even if you went ahead with this with the best intentions in the current climate
would it be aired?

[Dave]

It's the BBC, I would suggest not touching this with a very long barge pole, a totally biased organisation who will twist everything so that the accuser is still the 'victim'.

Just my twopenneth.

[Rights Fighter]

Actually you are wrong. I have had a very long conversation with Declan and they are actually doing something 'new' which cannot be discussed on here - as well as getting both sides of the story.

They are making serious undertakings to preserve anonymity and the angle they are coming from will give the genuinely falsely accused a voice. About time too.

I would add that this is a radio show - not TV. Voice only.