Malicious rumours

My sweet, innocent, naive 18 year old son with ASD is experiencing vile and malicious rumours going around about him at college which are completely untrue. We are at a loss at what to do. The police aren't interested.  We have informed the college but not all the culprits go there so there is little they can do. As a result, he is extremely depressed, anxious and is self harming. He wants to move colleges as his reputation is in tatter but I feel he shouldn't have to. Has anybody else's child experienced this awful traumatising stuff? We've been told it's a civil matter but no guarantee of getting an injunction or charges pressed and have to pay £300 per culprit!! Help!

Parents
  • There is something they can do:  Protection from Harassment Act 1997.  Sorry the snip didn't come out too well.  If their rumours are meant to harass your son (and clearly they are) police should first issue them with a letter to tell them to stop.  This covers the point about "ought to know".  They DO DEFINATELY KNOW once they get the letter.  If they continue there after, they can be arrested.

    The problem police will have to be fair is proving who said what in order to demonstrate their harassment.  Keep any evidence you may have.

Reply
  • There is something they can do:  Protection from Harassment Act 1997.  Sorry the snip didn't come out too well.  If their rumours are meant to harass your son (and clearly they are) police should first issue them with a letter to tell them to stop.  This covers the point about "ought to know".  They DO DEFINATELY KNOW once they get the letter.  If they continue there after, they can be arrested.

    The problem police will have to be fair is proving who said what in order to demonstrate their harassment.  Keep any evidence you may have.

Children
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