A little lost
Silver Member
I made as much noise as possible and reiterated what happened over and over again until someone finally listened. I went to my GP, got myself out on antidepressants, it adds credence to your case......unfortunately we have to do things like that just so whatever close minded picture the Social have in their head of how someone just out of an abusive situation "should" behave is being fulfilled.
I offered to go for psych evals, lie detector (I know they aren't used here,but I said it anyway), whatever they wanted to prove I am not lying. I did actually go for an evaluation to a psychiatric hospital once just so I had absolute authority in writing that I was certified "sane" and the psych came to their own independent unprejudiced conclusion that all my reactions and behaviours were a direct result of abuse and trauma. When people see that you aren't being unreasonable and are able to explain everything, saying what happened with clarity, unwavering detail and passion, the only conclusion that they could come to was that what I was saying had happened must be true.
That situation got cleared up eventually. My ex then made a further mistake later down the track after I ran away from him....he claimed working tax credits in my name and forged my signature. I got a direct court summons that I had to return to Scotland for a court date. I could prove through electoral role and witnesses etc that I had not had any contact with him since the date I left. No one would listen to me, I got desperate and threw myself on the mercy of my MP. He intervened and somehow managed to get my part of it totally cleared up, my name removed from the fraud case and my ex ended up in court on his own for claiming over a thousand pounds that he wasn't entitled to in my name.
It is a very frightening situation to be in when you get called to go and explain yourself on a benefits report. You might find it doesn't even get beyond that first meeting, the threats in the letter abouts sanctions and legal action are there primarily to make sure You actually show up to the appointment. I can't guarantee that what happened for me will happen for you.....but stand your ground and fight the accusations, you have nothing left to lose at this point. Just tell the absolute truth and keep saying it to anyone you can, all it takes is the right ear to be listening.
I will be thinking of you. I really hope it goes well...and remember to breathe. I panicked , hyperventilated and nearly fell over when I went for my first interview with DWP!!! Not the best way to show them I was in control of my faculties...hmmm.
I hope something I have said helps.
Oh, and remember, the onus is on them to PROVE you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of what they are saying you have willingly , intentionally and knowingly done..... not on you to prove your innocence. Get vocal and truthful with them thereby creating that reasonable doubt about the willingly bit!!!!I
We still run by "innocent until proven guilty BEYOND a reasonable doubt "
I offered to go for psych evals, lie detector (I know they aren't used here,but I said it anyway), whatever they wanted to prove I am not lying. I did actually go for an evaluation to a psychiatric hospital once just so I had absolute authority in writing that I was certified "sane" and the psych came to their own independent unprejudiced conclusion that all my reactions and behaviours were a direct result of abuse and trauma. When people see that you aren't being unreasonable and are able to explain everything, saying what happened with clarity, unwavering detail and passion, the only conclusion that they could come to was that what I was saying had happened must be true.
That situation got cleared up eventually. My ex then made a further mistake later down the track after I ran away from him....he claimed working tax credits in my name and forged my signature. I got a direct court summons that I had to return to Scotland for a court date. I could prove through electoral role and witnesses etc that I had not had any contact with him since the date I left. No one would listen to me, I got desperate and threw myself on the mercy of my MP. He intervened and somehow managed to get my part of it totally cleared up, my name removed from the fraud case and my ex ended up in court on his own for claiming over a thousand pounds that he wasn't entitled to in my name.
It is a very frightening situation to be in when you get called to go and explain yourself on a benefits report. You might find it doesn't even get beyond that first meeting, the threats in the letter abouts sanctions and legal action are there primarily to make sure You actually show up to the appointment. I can't guarantee that what happened for me will happen for you.....but stand your ground and fight the accusations, you have nothing left to lose at this point. Just tell the absolute truth and keep saying it to anyone you can, all it takes is the right ear to be listening.
I will be thinking of you. I really hope it goes well...and remember to breathe. I panicked , hyperventilated and nearly fell over when I went for my first interview with DWP!!! Not the best way to show them I was in control of my faculties...hmmm.
I hope something I have said helps.
Oh, and remember, the onus is on them to PROVE you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of what they are saying you have willingly , intentionally and knowingly done..... not on you to prove your innocence. Get vocal and truthful with them thereby creating that reasonable doubt about the willingly bit!!!!I
We still run by "innocent until proven guilty BEYOND a reasonable doubt "
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