Seeking support after an event that affected my sense of safety at home

versano
versano Online Community Member Posts: 1 Listener
in People power

Hello everyone,


I’m reaching out to the Scope community because I’m struggling to process a situation that has had a serious impact on my mental and physical health, and I’m hoping to hear from others with lived experience or knowledge in this area.


I live with multiple long-term conditions that significantly affect how I respond to stress and authority situations, particularly in my own home. Over a long period, I had been reporting harassment and threats to the police, which unfortunately were not acted on.


On a particular evening, officers attended my home and asked to come in “for a chat”. I agreed, believing this related to the ongoing harassment I had been reporting. Once inside, I was arrested. What followed was physically and emotionally distressing and has left lasting trauma for both me and my family.


I am now facing legal consequences linked to how that arrest unfolded, despite the original allegations that brought police to my home resulting in no further action. I feel that my disabilities, mental health history, and the context of prolonged stress were not properly considered at the time.


I’m not asking for legal advice here, but I would really value:


  • Hearing from anyone who has experienced police involvement where disability or mental health wasn’t adequately taken into account
  • Advice on how to advocate for reasonable adjustments and fair treatment
  • Signposting to organisations or resources that support disabled people navigating the justice system



This situation has deeply affected my sense of safety, trust in services, and overall wellbeing. Any insight, shared experience, or support would be greatly appreciated.


Thank you for taking the time to read this.

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Comments

  • Mary_Scope
    Mary_Scope Posts: 3,562 Scope Online Community Children and Family Specialists

    Hi @versano and a warm welcome to the community from me!

    I’m really sorry you’ve been through this, it sounds like a really stressful and scary experience. How are you feeling now?

    There are independent advocacy services like VoiceAbility and POhWER which may be helpful to contact for an advocate

    If you ever have further contact with police, you’re entitled to request an appropriate adult and reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act to help keep you safe and supported.

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