Since we began in 1999, our work has been focused on supporting people throughout the U.K. (and their spouses or partners) who have been accused of misconduct, usually of abuse or assault, but who conscientiously maintain their innocence and who have never carried out similar offences or pleaded guilty to such offences.

Any help that we give to the falsely accused is provided on the basis of members’ experience of relevant issues, which may or may not suit individual circumstances. If you have been wrongly accused of abuse or misconduct, you should immediately seek advice from a competent and experienced solicitor and continue to do so throughout the investigative period.

We offer support in a number of ways –  by email, support@factuk.org or via a legal helpline. We provide support free of charge to the general public but encourage people to become members and make financial donations, which in turn helps us to continue supporting others.

There is also a wealth of useful information and resources on this website.

We hold at least two meetings a year when members, their families and guests can get together for mutual support helping them to cope with their problems as well as giving them access to expert views on legal matters.

We appreciate that when an accusation is first made, the effects on the accused, their family and close friends are horrendous, and regardless of how far that accusation is taken – be it an investigation that is dropped, or a wrongful conviction followed by prison – the effects are hugely damaging and last a lifetime. Knowing you are not alone and have someone to call on is extremely important.

FACT…

• provides support via email: support@factuk.org
• provides a legal helpline: 0333 335 5827  (Mon-Fri: 10am-3pm; Sat: 10am-1pm)
• has a substantial website offering advice and relevant articles
• provides support for those in prison, through emails, (including international), correspondence, Christmas cards, and more
• provides emotional support for the families of those falsely accused
• holds two conferences a year, which include time for socialising and providing mutual support
• holds an annual church service for support, encouragement and to pray for the falsely accused
• represents the falsely accused to government inquiries and relevant organisations
• liaises with other falsely accused support groups
• provides guidance through court cases
• responds to media inquiries

Most, but not all, work (or have worked) in positions of responsibility and trust. However, not having done so does not exclude you from support of membership.
The current membership includes men and women who work (or have worked) in:

• children’s homes, residential schools
• education, including day care
• faith groups and religious communities
• foster care
• health care
• the police, prison services, or armed forces
• social care and/or social work
• the voluntary sector (youth and community work, including uniformed organisations and sports clubs)

Many whose work regularly brings them into contact with children, or vulnerable or dependent adults, do not realise just how:

• vulnerable they are to being falsely accused of abuse or misconduct
• closed safeguarding bodies are to any possibility that the allegations made might be untrue
• inadequate the justice system is in establishing truth

The group is therefore well-placed to comment on the vulnerability of men and women whose occupation brings, or brought them, into regular contact with children and vulnerable or dependent adults at all levels throughout the UK.

Most of the committee will either have personal or related experience of a false allegation and, together with the past twenty years of experience in this field, will use this to help others. FACT is responsible for its own fund-raising and receives no financial or other help from Government or local authorities.