Read Emma Wells, founder Unseen Victims latest substack here:
Unseen Victims: The Craig France Case Shows the Hidden Risks of Bail for Families
At Unseen Victims, we often support families blindsided by the arrest of someone they trusted—a partner, parent, sibling, or child. What makes this trauma even more devastating is how little they’re told. In many cases, families are left completely in the dark about the nature of the charges. Even when serious offences like rape or abuse are involved, loved ones may still be expected to house or support someone on bail—without being warned of the risks.
This isn’t just a gap in communication. It’s a serious safeguarding failure.
In this latest blog, we look at a harrowing case recently featured in the media that brings these issues into sharp focus. But this isn’t about one man or one crime—it’s about the wider failure to protect families from becoming secondary victims of the justice system.
We’re calling for urgent reform: better information, stronger bail assessments, and a system that protects—not exposes—innocent families.
When a loved one is accused of a serious crime, it’s natural for families to want to believe in their innocence—especially if they think the allegations might be false. However, it’s important to understand that police, social services, probation, and other agencies aren’t tasked with proving or disproving those allegations. Their primary role is to protect society from individuals who may pose a risk.
This means that even if you believe your loved one is innocent, these agencies will act cautiously, prioritising safeguarding victims and the wider community above all else. They focus on managing risk rather than validating every claim or accusation.
For families, this can feel unfair or confusing—especially when trust in the accused is strong. But the reality is that safeguarding must come first. Protecting children, partners, and vulnerable people in the household cannot be compromised by blind loyalty or denial.
At Unseen Victims, we support families to navigate this difficult balance: to hold space for hope and support, while also prioritising safety and seeking help from the right agencies. Understanding this can help families make informed decisions and avoid becoming unseen victims themselves.
https://emmawells786.substack.com/p/unseen-victims-the-craig-france-case?r=41y9i2