A Personal Message to Members
Everyone with access to this area of the KnifeCrimes Org website has been effected by a serious violent crime, or the trauma of a loved-one's life taken by Homicide or sudden death. If you have a particular issue, Petition or something that you wish to share with others...please email: ann@KnifeCrimes.Org and it will be posted in this section.
Please also check the 'Events' Page periodically for updated events...
Use the KnifeCrimes.Org Memorial Website Service...to create a loving and lasting Tribute. In Partnership with Memorial Website Charity MuchLoved we are pleased to offer you a free service to create your own website in Memory of a 'Loved-One'...this free service has rich funtionality and beautiful designs. See example website below. Full information can be found on KnifeCrimes.Org 'Tributes' page or preview here: www.muchloved.com/?rp=knifecrimes
KnifeCrimes.Org is now on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KnifeCrimes.Org
Victims' Advocates are on Facebook: www.facebook.com/VictimsAdvocates
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Criminal Injuries Compensation/Information...We are receiving emails from an increasing number of families that are being 'turned down' for compensation for little or no real reason, and without regard for 'humanity, empathy or understanding' for the pain suffered when a loved-one is murdered. There also seems to be some cases that are paid compensation and others that are not, when often the circumstances are the similar...in other words 'a two tier' system. Most people are unable to fight on to have their 'loved-ones' lives recognised as being important to Society. This adds to the pain and sense of injustice...
One of the painful issues used by the CICA to reduce or deny a Compensation Claim is 'Unspent' Convictions...which is yet another layer of 'injustice' in the inhumanity of it's delivery. It is difficult to understand what it all means...and how the 'Unspent' Convictions are calculated. To at least help with the explanations we have included the NACRO Disclosures Website: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/britishcitizenship/eligibility/goodcharacter/#
For legal advice and current information about the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme you can contact Neil Sugarman (Managing Partner) of GLP Solicitors Tel: 0161 764 1818 or go to: www.glplaw.com
We would like to hear from anyone that is experiencing problems with Compensation Claims, in order to force change in the way these cases are handled. If you have any other issues that you would like to raise or need help with...please write to: ann@KnifeCrimes.org or call 07913 584260 for advice. Meanwhile the following link will give you some idea of what you can expect at your Hearing and how to prepare:
www.cicap.gov.uk/Publications/guideToAppealProcess.htm
In response to our appeal for your story...about CICA treatment of your case on compensation...we have been given permission to share Kevin Johnson's family's outcome of their claim. This article will inform you of the feelings of Kevin's parents, John & Katy...
www.sunderlandecho.com/news/Murder-payout-wrangle-sparks-call.5223910.jp
John say's...
"We were treated with respect at the Hearing, however, still informed that the Rules mean that we could only be awarded 'half' of our claim! Further, we could claim back Funeral Expenses...but, only half! We could also apply for a 'Dependancy Award' for our Grandson, this is a weekly payment payable 'til our Grandson reaches the age of 18 years of age".
John Johnson will be speaking to his local MP also his local MEP about how families are treated. He will keep KnifeCrimes.Org informed of his progress.
This illustrates how a family, during their worst possible grief...the loss of a child, needs better treatment! If this is classed by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority as a 'Bereavement Award' why should any family have to 'jump through hoops' to get this small some of money? We have also recently been made aware that some Insurance Companies are with-holding payments under Life Cover Insurance? Please let us hear from you, if you have experienced a similar situation.
LIFE IS CHEAP...written by Kenneth Roy - Published in the 'Scottish Review' - This article 'pulls no punches' on the disgraceful way families are treated by the CICA: www.scottishreview.net/KRoy194.html
Community Legal Aid (CLS) Public Funding - Formerly 'Legal Aid'...The Crown Prosecution Service pay the costs of prosecuting a Murder Case...but you may also face Legal problems as a result of the crime, which are not part of the Criminal Prosecution. These could include:
* Divorce
* Child Custody or Access Proceedings
* Civil Action to take out an Injuction
* Debts
* Eviction from your Home
* Problems at work
* Criminal Injuries Compensation Claim/Appeal
If you need the help of a Solicitor, you may be eligible for Public Funding (formerly Legal Aid) from the Community Legal Service Fund (CLS) to help meet the costs. Full information on CLS website: www.legalservices.gov.uk
Media requests: Please note that it is adviseable to ask what fee they will pay, and ensure that they 'read back!'
1) Full House [a weekly real life mag] - Isobel Loynes is interested in talking to any families with the view to publishing an in-depth story of their case. Anyone interested please make direct contact - Tel: 01206 851117 ext 283
2) Freelance Journalist - Julie Cook writes for National Woman's Magazines such as Woman's Own, Take a Break, Bella, Reveal and others. Please mention that you received contact details from KnifeCrimes.Org so that they will mention the Charity...thanks. Anyone interested please make direct contact - email: jules_77123@hotmail.com
PLEASE SUPPORT THESE PETITIONS...
Please view and sign this Petition...it was started by Margaret and Jim Watson who has lost both of their children. Their Daughter Diane was stabbed to death at School and a year later their only surviving child, Alan killed himself. Pushed over the edge by the 'untruths' told by a journalist in a magazine article.
Diane died in her Father's arms and Alan's Mother, Margaret found her Son. They have campaigned for years to make things better for other Victims and now need our support. Please would you take a moment to sign...then pass on the Petition details to as many people as possible: http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Defamation
Please view & sign: www.petitiononline.com/Libby/petition.html or join the Facebook Group/Justice for Liberty Rose Templeman...the 15-year-old former Brightlingsea, Essex Schoolgirl murdered in New Zealand in November, 2008.
Please view & sign: http://justiceforjeremiah.yolasite.com/how-can-i-help.php Erica Duggan needs your support for Jeremiah to reach at least 3,000 signatures...please pass to as many people as you can and join the supporters' list. Please view the 'Cutting Edge' programme Lost Abroad: The Parents' Story on the 'Crime/Europe & Abroad' page of the website.
CHILD VICTIMS OF CRIME - This is a Charity run by the Police to assist under the age of 16 years who has been effected by crime. If you have a child in the family who you think may benefit from the Child Victims of Crime, then the referral must come from a Police Officer. Contact your Police Family Liaison Officer or any Police Officer who was involved in your case. Visit the website at - www.cvoc.org.uk
VERY LENIENT SENTENCES - The Crown Prosecution Service 'cannot' Appeal against a 'not Guilty' verdict, but the Attorney General has the power to refer the case to the Court of Appeal especially in Manslaughter cases if he thinks the Sentence is too lenient. THIS MUST BE DONE WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THE SENTENCE BEING PASSED. You can ask the Attorney General to refer a case to the Court of Appeal under this power. Write as soon as possible to:
The Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers
Attorney General Chambers
Buckingham Gate
London
SW1E 6JD
THE LIFE IMPRISONMENT MINIMUM TERM SECTION - If you would like information about Tariffs:
The Life Imprisonment Minimum Term Section/Room CL 1.5
Clifford's Inn
Fetter Lane
London
EC4A 1DQ
Website: www.courtservice.gov.uk
VICTIM HELPLINE [Prison Service] - For information regarding prisoners home leave, weekend leave, temporary release, unwanted mail and/or telephone calls - Contact: 08457 585112
NATIONAL PROBATION SERVICE - For information regarding an Offender's Parole or Release from Prison. If you have any concerns about these issues you can contact the Victim Liaison Unit at your local Probation Service Office.
National Probation Directorate
Horseferry House
Dean Ryle Street
London
SW1P 2AW
Tel: 020 7217 0659 Fax: 020 7217 0660
Email: NPD.PublicEnquiry@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
Practice Guide on Victim Participation in Parole Board Hearings:-
www.paroleboard.gov.uk/victims_and_families/practice_guide_on_victim_participation/
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) - The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) have recently published a booklet titled: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: the treatment of PTSD in Adults and Children, Understanding NICE guidance - inormation for people with PTSD, their advocates and carers, and the public.
Copies of this booklet can be ordered from the NHS Response Line-telephone 0870 1555 455 and quote reference number NO849
TRAUMATIC MEMORIES...are stored in a different way to ordinary memories. When something happens to us, we remember it in the 'short term memory' part of our Brain. Gradually, the Brain processes this memory and moves it into the 'long term memory' part of our Brain. When we access this memory we remember it as happening in the past.
With 'Traumatic memories'...our Brain stores them in a different way. They are not processed in the same way as normal memories. They are remembered as being in the 'here and now' not as in a past memory that happened so many years ago.
This could be why many tragically bereaved people through Homicide/Sudden death, find it difficult to move forward and start to rebuild their lives. People who have not been bereaved in a traumatic way can't understand why it is so hard for us to forget about the death and start to rebuild our lives.
Human Tissue Authority - www.hta.gov.uk
Going to Court Video - www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUOc0Sa1WMM&feature=youtu.be
Healthtalkonline is an Oxford based Charity...where you can watch, listen or read clips from a comprehensive collection of interviews of people talking about their own experiences of health, illness or sudden death - www.healthtalkonline.org/Dying_and_bereavement/Bereavement_due_to_traumatic_death
THE BEREAVEMENT REGISTER...It can be very distressing to receive mail addressed to the loved-one you mourn. The Bereavement Register can offer a service to reduce the amount of direct mail to those who have died. By registering the details of your family member, any company involved in 'Direct Marketing' will be able to check their own information against the details contained. This will identify the individual as deceased and will allow the Company - Not to Mail - www.the-bereavement-register.org.uk
Death After Medical Negligence (DAMN)...offers support to families who may have lost someone through Medical negligence - even though the cause of death was given as 'natural causes'. DAMN was formerly Rigorous Analysis of Latrogenic Death (RAID). Contact: Mrs. Lilly Lewy 020 8205 4985 or email: lhl005@londonmet.ac.uk
Teresa Evans' youngest son aged 20...back in December 2006 was a passenger in a car that was involved in a collision and he died. Being dissatisfied with many aspects of the service subsequently received from the Funeral Undertaker, Teresa created a campaign for the 'Rights of the Bereaved' - www.evansaboveonline.co.uk
THE SAND ROSE PROJECT...This is a project which offers one or two week breaks for Bereaved Families. It does not provide a therapeutic or counselling programme, however, it does provide a location that encourages 'rest, reflection and recuperation'.
The venue is near Penzance in Cornwall...described as a 'quiet, peaceful haven' where families can be independent. It is a 4 bedroom self-contained cottage with a beautiful landscaped garden located near the beach. It can also be separated into two 2 bedroom cottages which means that you may be sharing the access, gardens, games room and folly with another bereaved family.
Breaks are offered 'FREE OF CHARGE' to families...travel to and from the cottages is NOT provided. If you would like further information or would like to apply for a break - please contact:
The Sand Rose Project
PO Box 70
Hayle
TR27 5WY
Tel: 0845 607 6357
Email: info@sandrose.org.uk
Web: www.sandrose.org.uk
NOTE: Please view periodically for updated information...or let us know if there's anything you would like posted in the Members Private Section. KnifeCrimes.Org is an Essex based local and National Resource dealing with all aspects of Knife, Gun and Violent Crime...Murder & Manslaughter.
E. &. O.E