FIRST TIER TRIBUNAL JUDGE

BLOOMFIELD_ME1868

I appealed a CICA decision and appealed.During the video conference I was asked by the Tribunal judge [explicit and intrusive details about abuse I experienced when I was a child]*. WAS THAT QUESTION NECESSARY ?

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*Moderator note: This post has been edited to remove detailed wording, to keep the forum safe and accessible for all users. The meaning of the post remains the same.

Adrian_Scope

Good afternoon @BLOOMFIELD_ME1868 and welcome to the community.

I’m really sorry this happened to you, I can only imagine how distressing this may have been.

I’m not an expert in CICA decisions or tribunals, but from what you’ve shared it does sound unnecessarily intrusive.

Even in a CICA appeal, where a tribunal may need to understand whether an assault occurred and what general category it falls into, I believe they would not usually need to ask explicit anatomical questions. Tribunals are also expected to be trauma-informed.

If you’re not already getting legal advice, it may be worth speaking to a legal adviser who has experience with CICA cases, as they can give you specific guidance.

If you feel the judge acted inappropriately, you can make a complaint to the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO). You may also be able to complain to HMCTS about how the hearing was handled and the lack of trauma-informed practice.

Just to let you know, I’ve lightly edited your post to remove some of the detailed wording. This isn’t a reflection on anything you’ve said, it’s simply to make sure the forum stays within safeguarding rules and remains safe for all members. The substance of your post and the issue you’re raising are completely unchanged.

I'm also going to send you an email later today to see if we can offer you any additional support, so please keep an eye out for it.

BLOOMFIELD_ME1868

Thankyou very much for your very kind words

BLOOMFIELD_ME1868

I am very grateful for your advicel