This policy sets out the rules and guidelines for participation in the Accused.Me.UK online and social media support networks, including our primary Facebook peer-to-peer support group and other platforms. These rules ensure that our spaces remain safe, supportive, and focused on providing help to those navigating false allegations.
1. Understanding the Rules of Conduct
The full rules for our peer-to-peer support groups are pinned within the support groups themselves. They are also published on our website at this location: https://accused.me.uk/online-and-social-media-support-networks-policy/ .Please ensure you read and understand these rules before participating.
2. Be Supportive
Our groups and forums are SUPPORT groups. Posts or comments must seek or provide support or advice. Posts unrelated to seeking or offering help do not belong on our platforms.
3. Confidentiality
You must not share any content, discussions, or personal stories from within our platforms outside of that specific forum. Maintaining confidentiality is critical to creating a safe environment.
4. Age Restrictions
Members must be aged 16 or older. If you are under 16, your parent or guardian must join on your behalf. They can contact us to discuss your needs further if required.
5. No Politics or Activism
Our focus is on supporting members through their experiences with false allegations. Discussions of politics or activism are not allowed. While we acknowledge the need for systemic change, our support networks are not the place for campaigning or activism.
6. Advertising Restrictions
Advertising other groups, companies, or services is not permitted without prior approval from Accused.Me.UK. To seek approval, contact a group admin or moderator. This rule does not apply where a service user is recommending a product, service or organisation in the context of offering support in reply to a members post/enquiry. Such recommendations should be done with regard to rule 7 – “prohibition on External Links”.
7. Prohibition on External Links
Links to third-party websites are not allowed unless explicitly approved by Accused.Me.UK. This rule helps ensure that links are safe and relevant to the group’s purpose. Such approval would only be granted after accused.me.uk has confirmed that i) the link is appropriate to the support group , ii) after out IT consultants have checked that the site is safe and will not compromise our service users devices or data. Permission can be sought by speaking to admins, moderators or by contacting us.
8. Fundraising
Fundraising for external organisations or causes is not permitted without explicit approval. Approval will only be granted in very rare cases where the fundraising directly relates to the purpose of Accused.Me.UK and where transparency is guaranteed. There are many good causes out there and we must keep our platforms focussed on support and not on a flood of fundraising requests. Requests to fundraise can be made by contacting us.
9. Video Posts
If typing is not an option, members and service users may post videos (up to 5 minutes in length). Videos must feature only yourself or an appropriate backdrop if you prefer not to appear. Live streaming is not allowed and will be immediately cut.
10. Zero Tolerance for Abuse
Abuse, discrimination, or hate speech of any kind is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, racism, misogyny, misandry, anti-Semitism, homophobia, and attacks based on religion or disability. Any such behaviour will open the individual(s) concerned up to immediate removal from the group. Any and all abuse directed directly at another member, service user, moderator, admin or volunteer will result in the immediate expulsion from our services.
11. Respect for Anonymity
Do not name or identify individuals who have made allegations of a sexual nature. Breaching this rule violates the law and will result in immediate removal of the content. Individuals who repeatedly attempt to identify their accuser will be removed from our platforms.
12. Legal Advice
This group does not offer legal advice within it’s free support groups. Any advice shared in the free support groups is informal and should not be relied upon. Always consult a qualified solicitor with full access to your case files for legal matters.
13. Geographic Considerations
If you are outside England and Wales (e.g., Scotland, Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man), please state this when seeking support/advice. Laws and services differ significantly, and local guidance is essential.
14. Posts Relating to False Accusations
Posts must relate to the experience of being falsely accused. While members often wish to advocate for change after their cases are resolved, this group is dedicated to providing immediate support rather than activism or systemic reform efforts. If you are looking to start campaigning or involving yourself in activism seeking systemic change then the group Falsely Accused Letters To The Establishment is a good place to begin. They can be found here.
15. Private Messaging
Members are discouraged from directing others to private message them for advice or support or asking if they can private message somebody. Posts suggesting this may be removed to maintain group transparency and safety.
16. Vetting and Transparency
While we strive to ensure members join for genuine reasons, formal vetting is not possible. If you have concerns about another member, please report them to a moderator or admin or contact us.
17. Moderation Authority
Moderators, admins and volunteers reserve the right to remove content or members who violate these rules. All decisions are final and made to protect the integrity and purpose of the group.
