False memory isn’t a subject you hear much about. If you haven’t heard about it, consider yourself lucky. Its impact on the individuals involved and their families can be catastrophic. Equally, the cost to the justice system is damaging.
Psychiatrist, Paul R McHugh, describes false memory as “a condition in which a person’s identity and interpersonal relationships are centred around a memory of traumatic experience which is objectively false but in which the person strongly believes.”
(British False Memory Society website)
In this episode, Kevin Felstead shares the complexities of working with false memory cases within the UK legal system. He clarifies the difference between false memory and real cases of sexual abuse. In talking about the implications of false memory, Kevin introduces listeners to the work of the British False Memory Society.
Kevin is Director of Communications at the British False Memory Society.
Further information
British False Memory Society – UK website
How False Memories Corrupt Our Identities, Politics, and Justice System – Julia Shaw, TEDxBergen
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Episode information
Music by Grant McLachlan
Resources
Worldwide
International Domestic Violence Resource Guide 2021
UK
Refuge – National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Victim Support – Help for domestic abuse
Citizens Advice – Help for domestic violence and abuse
NHS – Getting help for domestic violence and abuse
Al Anon – Family group support alcohol addiction, drug addiction and addictive behaviours
Samaritans – FREE Help – Tel: 116 123, E: jo@samaritans.org
The British Psychology Society – Find a Psychologist
Australia
1800 Respect – National sexual assault, domestic family violence counselling service
Lifeline – How to get help for domestic and family violence
White Ribbon Australia – List of helplines for domestic abuse
Beyond Blue – Mental health support
Headspace – National Youth Mental Health Foundation with support services
The Black Dog Institute – Medical health resources, services and research
SANE Australia – Counselling support, Tel: 1800 187 263 (10am – 10pm)
Alcohol and Drug Foundation – Help and Support Services
USA
National Domestic Violence Helpline – Domestic violence support
National Institute of Mental Health – A range of helplines
American Psychologist Association – Psychologist Finder
OR contact medical/legal/law enforcement in your country.
