Issue 68 -  False Accusations

A Note from Jackie

One only needs to search the internet or monitor a chat line such as FACT (Fathers Are Capable Too) to know that today, in 2007, the following problem is still here.

Almost ten years ago it was reported that false allegations “had become a large scale problem. In testimony to the 1998 Special Joint Committee on Child Custody and Access, the Ottawa/Hull Children’s Aid Society reported that in the previous twelve months they had received 1,500 accusations of child abuse.

Of these, a full 900 -- sixty percent -- were associated with custody battles. And of that 900, 600, or two thirds, were judged by CAS workers to be false or groundless. The vast majority of these allegations are made by mothers against fathers. How many convictions (or penalties of any kind) were issued for false allegation in Ottawa that
year -- not one.”

from False Allegations: a New Twist on an Old Problem, Issue #68 of Everyman, by David Shackleton

Selected Article:

As editor and publisher of Everyman, a Journal for Men, David wrote the following article in the 68th issue. Regrettably the 69th issue, posted elsewhere on this website, was the last. David has contributed so much to the men’s movement that we miss his voice.

As webmaster for Everyman on-line, my focus has been on presenting content of past issues. I plan to continue this effort. However it is time to add new material for men. John Spiesman EdD, LSW has contributed the first new articles on the website. There is more to come.

I would be heartened by voluntary contributions both from the original authors for Everyman, the journal, and from those out there who would like to join. Please contact me, Jackie Unitt, at webmaster(at)everyman(dot)org or unittj(at)cyberus(dot)ca. Please address the emails as you would normally. I've posted them this way here to try to avoid spam programs.

Needed: A New Vision for Everyman
by David Shackleton

Should Everyman become a magazine for male/female dialogue? I have noticed as I put together the last few issues that I don’t have the enthusiasm for working on Everyman that I used to have. I procrastinate and avoid getting down to it, which is the main reason why it is reaching readers late these days. I’m not enjoying it much any more. The reason for my loss of energy and enthusiasm is that I no longer have a vision for the magazine that inspires me. To understand this, bear with me while I recount a bit of Everyman history. (Read the entire artcle by clicking here for the full pdf)

Some Selected Quotes:

When I go to false accusation talks, it's almost always a man who asks, though I've had women ask as well: "What about when somebody lies to get back at their spouse?" This is usually followed by a personal story about a friend who was falsely accused, and the damage their reputation suffered as a result.

I think one of the things that scares people most is the arbitrariness of the charge. In theory, anyone could make a very damaging false accusation. Often times, there is not much material evidence to support the charge. Regardless of the motivation, false accusations truly frighten us. We worry about our reputation, what our family, friends and strangers will think. We'll be condemned without a fair hearing. Dragged through the court system in trying to refute the charges. We'll lose everything that gives our lives meaning and value.

--John Whitebank, family services worker
_____________________________________________________________

Microscopic cells act like people in many ways. They eat, reproduce, communicate, procreate, harm and destroy each other. It took billions of years for cells to devise systems to work successfully together as even larger social units: algae, plants, fish, animals, people. These larger collectives are ancient trial and error strategies cells use to preserve themselves and further evolve.

If a cell receives no communication signals from other cells, becomes unconnected to the whole, it reverts to a base command built into its being. It shuts off and dies -- commits suicide really.

Nothing exists as an island apart, and ultimately we shall all work together to survive and thrive in a sometimes threatening world. It is then that we will enter fully into a community of what some call the great, bright river of souls. Until that full and joyful time, we must swim the current as best we can, brother and sister alike.

--Mulligan Singhatu, researcher in biochemical pathology

False Allegations

Too Many Parents, by Stephanie Hansen

Radical Ideas from a Fearless Culture Critic, an interview with Ilana Mercer

Two More Stories in Honour of Boys, by Joel Guay

A False Accusation Story by a Man Doing Time, Anonymous

Non-Violent Action: Your Right to Family Is a Great Right, by John Murtari

Lies Alright Here! False Allegations and Criminal Sanctions, by Steve Osborne

Gender, Law and Fatherhood, by Steve Svoboda