There are sadly many cases where victims disclosed abuse, raised concerns, or were not fully believed or understood until after a serious assault or homicide. Every case is different, but they demonstrate why disclosures should be taken seriously. Some well-known examples include: These cases highlight an important lesson: not every disclosure is ignored, but when warnings… Read More Taking it seriously
In cases involving convicted child sexual offenders or individuals who have admitted such behaviour, researchers and forensic psychologists have identified several possible motivations: It is important to recognise that many people who sexually abuse children do not fit the stereotype of a stranger. They are often known to the child or family and may appear caring,… Read More A wedding ring is not evidence that someone is safe
You can often still visit New Zealand, Australia, and the USA with a criminal record, but it depends heavily on the type of offence, sentence, and how recent it is. Each country has its own rules, and they vary quite a bit. Here’s a clear breakdown: 🇳🇿 New Zealand You may be allowed in, but they… Read More “Crimes involving moral turpitude (CIMT)”
Family harassment in Spain is taken seriously under both criminal law and police protection systems (including VioGén when relevant). It can apply even if there is no physical violence. Here’s a clear breakdown: 👨👩👧 What counts as family harassment? Family or “domestic” harassment can include behaviour from: It usually involves repeated unwanted behaviour that creates fear, distress,… Read More What counts as family harassment?
Here’s how police in Spain typically assess ongoing risk after long-term domestic violence or harassment cases(including cases that have been through restraining orders and may be in or out of VioGén monitoring). 🟡 1. Risk is not based on time — it’s based on behaviour patterns Police and risk assessors do not use a “time passed =… Read More Structured risk assessment tools (VPR / VPER)
Here’s a clear, practical explanation of what can still count as harassment, stalking, or indirect contact in Spain after a restraining order has expired. Even when an order ends, certain behaviours can still be treated as new offences under Spanish law if they are unwanted, repeated, or cause distress. 🚨 1. Harassment (acoso) This is repeated behaviour that disturbs… Read More Harassment (acoso)
One of life’s great misunderstandings is the idea that a lawyer only represents innocent people. Imagine the interview. Client: “I’m completely blameless.” Lawyer: “Of course you are.” What the lawyer is actually thinking is probably closer to: “Where are the documents?” Lawyers are not hired to become members of your fan club. They are hired to explain… Read More Your Lawyer Doesn’t Have to Believe You
When people hear the word predator, they often imagine a stranger lurking in the shadows. Reality is usually far more ordinary—and far more unsettling. Many predators are not obviously threatening. They can be charming, successful, generous, funny, respected, or deeply involved in their communities. Their public image often becomes part of their protection. The Psychology of… Read More Exposing Predators: Why Secrecy Is Their Greatest Protection
One of the most distressing experiences a vulnerable adult—or someone advocating on their behalf—can face is being dismissed when raising concerns about abuse or neglect. Whether the response is disbelief, delay, minimisation, or complete inaction, the impact is the same: the situation continues without protection or resolution. So what can be done when systems, professionals, or… Read More When No One Takes a Vulnerable Adult Seriously: What Can Be Done?
The death of Katherine ‘Kat’ Torbick, a 43-year-old nurse and mother from Schaumburg, Illinois. Prosecutors allege that her former boyfriend, Kevin Motykie, subjected her to a prolonged assault that was captured on a recording device found after his arrest. Authorities allege the recording lasted more than seven hours and documented arguments, restraint, violence, and ultimately… Read More Why record it?
Linda C J Turner | Trauma Therapist & Emotional Healing Specialist 