All Systems 'GO' for False Allegation Awareness Month

From SAVE:

Today is the first day of False Allegations Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the travesty of 2 million false allegations of domestic violence that are made every year against innocent persons.

In Washington DC, we’re gearing up for tomorrow’s False Allegations Summit, where we will release the results of the first-ever national survey of false abuse allegations. The Summit will also feature statements by stakeholder organizations such as the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the American Coalition for Fathers and Children. Wrapping up the event will be testimonies by persons who have themselves been falsely accused of abuse.

If you’re in Washington DC tomorrow, drop by. We’re at the Fairfax Hotel, 2100 Massachusetts Ave, NW, at the Dupont Circle Metro stop. The show begins at 1pm.

What do you have planned for False Allegations Awareness Month in your area? It’s not too late to pass out flyers, distribute the press release (attached), or contact your newspaper editor. And check out all these FAAM resources: http://www.saveservices.org/false-allegations-awareness-month/

Attached press release:

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Teri Stoddard, 301-801-0608, tstoddard@saveservices.org

June 2 Summit to Probe Problem of False Allegations of Abuse

WASHINGTON / May 31, 2011 – Following the recent publication of a stunning Washington Post account of a Fairfax teacher falsely accused of sexual assault, the upcoming June 2 False Allegations Summit will highlight the problem of wrongful accusations.

At least 6 sympathetic editorials about false allegations of abuse were published following the Washington Post story.

The False Allegations Summit will be held June 2 at the Fairfax Hotel on Embassy Row, 1:00 to 4:00pm. The event will feature the findings of the first-ever national survey of false abuse allegations, statements by stakeholder organizations, and victim testimonies.

Presenting organizations will include the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Home School Legal Defense Association, American Coalition for Fathers and Children, National Coalition for Men, and Encounters International.

Four victim statements will highlight the personal, social, and financial toll that a wrongful accusation can inflict. One of the victims testifying at the Summit will be Cheryl Shanks of New Jersey, who was falsely accused of abuse by her former immigrant husband so he could obtain a Green Card.

“Standards of proof have become so diminished that anyone can file a claim and destroy the good reputation of an innocent person,” recounts SAVE spokesman Philip Cook. “And the real victims of abuse, the persons who are desperate for help, find themselves squeezed out in the process.”

The Summit is the kick-off to False Allegations Awareness Month in June. More information on the observance can be seen here: http://www.saveservices.org/false-allegations-awareness-month/

The Washington Post investigation documented repeated instances of misconduct by the lead detective in the Fairfax County case. The story, “Falsely Accused Teacher Fights to Reclaim Life,” published on May 15, 2011, can be viewed here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/fairfax-teacher-sean-lanigan-still-suffering-from-false-molestation-allegations/2011/03/04/AFVwhh3G_story.html

About 2 million false or trivial allegations of domestic violence are made each year, according to a SAVE report: http://www.saveservices.org/downloads/False-DV-Allegations-Cost-20-Billion

Stop Abusive and Violent Environments is a victim advocacy organization working for evidence-based solutions to partner abuse: www.saveservices.org