Character reference
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Just looking for some advise regarding character references.
My partner has been having therapy with a therapist assigned to him through StopSO for a few months now and he's said it's the best thing he's ever done and he gets along really well with his therapist. I was wondering if anyone has experience with asking a therapist for a character reference to use in court along with those from family? Would this even be something a therapist could do?
just wanted to see if anyone had experience with this and knew whether it was possible before my partner speaks about it to his therapist.
My partner has been having therapy with a therapist assigned to him through StopSO for a few months now and he's said it's the best thing he's ever done and he gets along really well with his therapist. I was wondering if anyone has experience with asking a therapist for a character reference to use in court along with those from family? Would this even be something a therapist could do?
just wanted to see if anyone had experience with this and knew whether it was possible before my partner speaks about it to his therapist.
Hi, it's totally fine to ask the therapist, but they are unlikely to be willing to write more than confirmation of attending x number of sessions, good engagement etc. My person's therapist had no problem writing a confirmation letter to that effect (for a very small fee). They will not be in a position to give a subjective view of future risk etc. Separately, we have paid a lot of money for a full assessment by a specialist forensic psychosexual therapist (assessment was five hours in person, plus an hour with me by video call, plus time to write etc) - these experts can give a view on future risk from the position of 'expert witness'. It was a gamble as there was a possibility that the solicitor wouldn't consider it advantageous to share with the court/judge, but the risk level has come back as low (although the report is not a fun read!) and the solicitor thinks it could support mitigation (my person has pleaded guilty (images and communication with an adult (police decoy)) and is in crown court for sentencing in a couple of weeks. Not sure what I'm feeling at the moment - unfathomable feelings about an unfathomable situation.
My partner provided evidence of use of the Lucy faithful helpline (can ask for call log) and evidence he attended their inform course. Your person could ask for evidence he is attending therapy at least. Character references should be from those who know your person before the knock/arrest and has insight into their rehabilitation.