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As others talk about the charity #Mermaids and its alleged troubling disregard for safeguarding policies (fracturing lines of communications with parents, keeping secrets etc.) I want to express what I view as troubling connections. @BigLotteryFund #charitytuesday
The relationships that don’t sit well with me are the ones between Mermaids and MESMAC and Mermaids, MESMAC and the police. #charitytuesday
To summarise, Mermaids and MESMAC are two charities which support each other and work together. MESMAC, a sexual health charity, permitted volunteers & workers to have sexual relationships with service users..... #charitytuesday
One former trustee of MESMAC, Bowen, was convicted of child sexual abuse. One former employee of MESMAC harassed the academic Jessica Eaton over her campaign to stop showing explicit films of child sexual exploitation in schools.
The supposed office décor at MESMAC – alleged penis coat hangers – maybe should have raised concerns rather than just eyebrows? Here it is described in the IPSO ruling.
Despite this disconcerting record Mermaids is proud to work in partnership with MESMAC and release joint statements with the charity.
I am of the opinion that both Mermaids and MESMAC have strong relationships with the police. Mermaids hosted Christmas parties at various forces, trained the officers etc.
It is important, I think, to note that part of Jimmy Savile’s tactics to prevent exposure was to host parties with the police.
https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/probe-of-jimmy-savile-s-leeds-tea-club-police-pals-exclusive-1-5454020
https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/probe-of-jimmy-savile-s-leeds-tea-club-police-pals-exclusive-1-5454020
Both Mermaids and MESMAC have reported journalists to the IPSO. Some breaches have been upheld but the vast majority of the claims have not. MESMAC vs The Sunday Times: https://www.ipso.co.uk/rulings-and-resolution-statements/ruling/?id=03320-18
Mermaids vs The Sunday Times: https://www.ipso.co.uk/rulings-and-resolution-statements/ruling/?id=18904-17
The Mermaids IPSO case was over the Sunday Times Reporting that a Judge had ordered the charity to keep away from a child. It wasn't an order but rather a request.
It is frightening to criticise Mermaids, if one does Mermaids might, instead of producing their safe-guarding policies and assuaging fears, send the police to question you. I worry that this is a silencing tactic and not a productive response to child-safeguarding concerns.
Mumsnet thread on Posie Parker: https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3190731-Woman-questioned-under-caution-and-banned-from-leaving-the-country-for-criticising-Mermaids
I always feel uneasy when a group or institution creates a climate of fear and silence, particularly when it comes to child safeguarding.
I can’t help but think that if I’m frightened to criticise a group/institution/individual imagine what a child would feel like if they had a secret to tell.
I think the dates are significant, the MESMAC sex scandal and trustee being jailed for child sex offences, the harassment of an academic over her campaign against child sexual exploitation films - those happened before Mermaids joint statement.
One would think Mermaids were aware. If not could it be argued that as a children's charity they did not carry out due diligence?
I must stress I am not aware of any CSA allegations against Mermaids, it is their relationship with MESMAC, particularly post the various MESMAC scandals, the cultured climate of fear & silence, and their disregard for safeguarding principles which is troubling me.
This remarkable thread of evidence and allegations against Mermaids is well worth a read. Why have the @ChtyCommission not investigated? https://twitter.com/mrkhtake2/status/1075052199921807360
It has been brought to my attention by @bettytastic that Mermaids may have some more interesting friends. https://twitter.com/bettytastic/status/1075120711394607105
As @PocketHanky suggests, people should raise this with the Charity Commission and request an investigation: https://twitter.com/PocketHanky/status/1075263911694348288
In response to criticism and questions Mermaids have re-issued a letter of support from 2016, signed by a convicted paedophile who tortured a 10 year old. They sliced his name off the bottom but it is still archived. I saw this being discussed by @FeministRoar & @mrsSkys
Here it is archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20180827162018/https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EVxLgtG7Oj0CxhdBBHVHEo2skLIQOYg5MTXCnXYMhEs/edit
This tweet by @DawnButlerBrent may not age well. I get the impression that she hasn't done the reading and is refusing to listen to concerns about child welfare and safeguarding.
Could it be that Mermaids received charitable funding from the Tudor Trust with the intention of frightening and silencing critics? Why would a children's charity need a £94,000 legal fund? Especially if they are 'only running coffee mornings' as they claim.. h/t @Neverfallingfo1
More info here on the legal fund and advertising for an in-house legal position https://twitter.com/Neverfallingfo1/status/1075351911346397185
Why does a children's charity which claims to be mainly focusing on coffee mornings and support groups require a £94,000 legal fund? Are they envisaging being sued by Kenco or another coffee provider? Have they annoyed Tetley? Is it the biscuits that pose the threat of claims?
All supported by @EmmaWatson
The fantastic article on Mermaids by @jo_bartosch: https://www.spiked-online.com/2020/07/03/mermaids-leading-children-up-the-trans-path/
