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theoffer · 3 years

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TL;DR: 1. More than 30,000 people have been denied legal aid support for domestic abuse complaints since 2012, according to research by Labour. 2. Family courts were among the worst affected by cuts imposed by The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, resulting in a surge in litigants in person. 3. The figures were calculated by modelling the number of legal aid domestic abuse cases that could have been expected had LASPO not come into effect and comparing it to the actual number. 4. “Victims of domestic abuse are particularly vulnerable as the country braces for months of more restrictions. Ensuring they get legal representation must be a priority for this government.” - David Lammy, QC 5. Published figures from the House of Commons Library show that legal aid spending in England and Wales has fallen from around £2.6bn in 2010 to around £1.7bn.

#legal aid #domestic violence #law #labour #politics #justice legal law publicservices domesticabuse #theoffer #offer and acceptance

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theoffer · 3 years

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I encourage you to read Meghan Markle's opinion piece in the New York Times.

The Losses We Share aptly describes the madness that has been 2020.

Alongside detailing her own loss this year, Meghan asks that we 'see one another' and ask those around us one important question:

Are you okay?

#miscarriages #mental heath support #mental health #the offer #offer and acceptance #blog #nyt #new york times

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theoffer · 3 years

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Seasonal Depression: Changing seasons and you

Latesha Lambert

Offer & Acceptance

17 November 2020

The clocks have gone back, the days are getting shorter and England is halfway through its second (and hopefully final) national lockdown. Now, more than ever, it is important to talk about how our physical climate can affect our mental health.

Seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or winter depression, has the potential to affect your mental health in a seasonal pattern e.g. during the darker months of the year. It’s been coined that name due to the annual repetitiveness of its symptoms.

How does it differentiate from ‘regular’ depression? The main difference is the pattern or timing that the symptoms may present itself, and the time of year in which they are experienced. People with SAD may have symptoms during the winter but feel better in the summer. It’s important to remember that the nature and severity of SAD may present itself in different ways for different people. For some the symptoms may be relatively small and irritating, while for others it has the potential to have a major impact on their day or their lives.

What does seasonal depression look like? Its symptoms are that of common depressive disorders, including persistent low mood, loss of pleasure, feelings of despair and guilt. However, the difference is most sufferers of seasonal depression experience none or less of these symptoms during the lighter or summer months of the year.

What causes seasonal depression? The causes of this aren’t fully understood yet. However, one working theory claims that the hypothalamus, a region of our forebrains, stops working as well due to the lack of sunlight. The hypothalamus then alters the production of melatonin (the sleepy hormone), serotonin (the happy hormone) and your body’s internal clock.

How do I prepare for seasonal depression? It always helps to be aware of your mood and feelings. Alongside the usual treatments for depression, here are some methods useful for seasonal.

Hold on to your support network and social life. Remember all those Zoom calls we all made over lockdown 1.0? They’re even more important this winter. Keep in touch with friends and family. Schedule regular calls with the people you’re unable to go out and see. Reach out to your friends now and consider making regular plans.

Take advantage of the open air. Go for a walk, run or workout. Even a minor change of scenery can give you the mental space to feel clearer.

Get into the habit of journalling. Start a gratitude journal, write down things you’re grateful for. This is soothing to read through if you’re not feeling yourself.

Pause. Stop what you’re doing and give yourself the opportunity to feel and process your emotions. Two other things ideal for seasonal depression are light therapy and changing your lifestyle measures.

Remember, that throughout lockdown 2.0 your mental health is equally as important as physical health. Contact your GP if you begin to feel the symptoms of SAD and are concerned about your coping mechanisms.

Here is a list of organisations that can help with depression all year round:

Calm

Mental Health Foundation

Mind

Rethink

Samaritans

SANE

NHS

#theoffer #offer and acceptance #linkedin #law blog

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theoffer · 4 years

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New legal guidance for prosecutors helps to tackle rape myths and stereotypes against the changing picture of modern life. TL;DR 1. Legal guidance on RASSO (Rape and Serious Sexual Offences) is up for revision to reflect the changing world. 2. It hopes to dispel myths and stereotypes surrounding casual sex, dating apps, sexting etc. Things that have changed over the past decade. 3. The CPS agree that clear up to date guidance is needed so prosecutors can make fair and effective decisions to deliver justice. 4. Key changes include updates on: The impact of trauma, in particular how the memory of a victim or complainant can be affected. Reasonable lines of enquiry - this section refreshes guidance on striking the appropriate balance between privacy and a thorough investigation 5. In July, the CPS published RASSO 2025, its five-year strategy which aims to look at all aspects of how rape is prosecuted to identify areas for improvement

#Crime #law #uk #england #wales #rape offences #sexual assault #crown prosecution service #cps #legal blog #the offer #offer and acceptance

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