‘Veritas curat’ is a Latin phrase that translates to ‘truth cures’, or ‘truth heals’. Latin served as the primary language for administration, trade, and the military during the height of the Roman Empire (1st century BC to 2nd century AD). It was and continues to be influential, especially in the fields of law, medicine, theology, and within academia.

The concept of truth curing or healing comes from another Latin phrase, ‘veritas vos liberabit’. This translates to ‘the truth will set you free’, which is derived from one of my many favourite verses in the Bible:

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
– John 8:32 (NKJV)

Contrary to modern misconceptions, there is such a thing as knowable truth. Yes, we all have our own lived experiences. Our personal stories are important, as we, and others, can learn from the things that we go through, but thankfully, we are not the centre of the universe. The truth is bigger than our existence, and it can be known.

Recently, our friends at DAVIA (Domestic Abuse and Violence International Alliance) conducted a four-country survey. Respondents from Argentina, Australia, the UK, and the USA were asked a series of questions to assess the extent of false allegations in those countries. Shockingly, the research found men are the targets of false allegations twice as often as women.

Dangerous Liars

A website called Register Her has been established to put a spotlight on the worldwide epidemic of false allegations. The About page on the website reads:

The experience of being falsely accused could be likened to being thrown overboard on a ship at sea. Suddenly, you have lost your foundation, your bearings and your safety.

Register Her is dedicated to raising awareness about the problem of false allegations of sexual crimes, and to educating the public about the suffering the problem inflicts. We are also committed to shining a light on the perpetrators and overcoming resistance to recognising the problem.

Importantly, they are committed to promoting the truth. Demonising or belittling women in any way is not something that Register Her, DAVIA, or Dads4Kids have any interest in. After all, it takes a mother to make a father. Dads4Kids has always and will forever advocate for and support both mums and dads. Truth cures, and Register Her make the below commitment on their website:

All perpetrators listed in this directory have either been convicted in a court of law or have made a public proclamation, admitting to their destructive lies. Register Her is not in the business of making false allegations. Under no circumstances will we ever list an offender in this directory without incontrovertible proof of guilt. If you feel someone is listed in this directory in error, do not hesitate to let us know at xycrew1@gmail.com.

Many of the stories on Register Her make for harrowing reading, but they need to be told:

Falsely accusing someone of a sexual crime is itself a crime for good reason. Its effects are devastating to the lives of victims. Even when they’re able to prove their innocence, the damage from the lie lingers, permanently tarnishing reputations, destroying careers, tearing families apart, sometimes triggering both suicide and murder. Unfortunately, the criminal justice response to this offence is irregular and often lacking due to sexual bias. Register Her has been established to call attention to that problem.

The Terrible Cost of False Allegations

It’s worth remembering that a false accusation is not a victimless crime. Register Her highlights that it’s in the public interest to create and permanently maintain a spotlight on the problem of false accusations and their devastating consequences for victims.

Consider the story of Brian Banks, an aspiring American football player sent to prison on a false rape allegation. Sadly, Ross Bullock took his own life after a false allegation of rape was made against him. He was 38 years old. Or consider the tragic story of Karin Cheshire and Jay Cheshire, mother and son. Both killed themselves after Jay was falsely accused.

Truth is needed more than ever in our mixed-up world. Register Her is based on the idea that no one is above the law. Their work reminds us that men are human beings too, deserving of the same justice and compassion afforded women in today’s world. A final, important word from the Register Her team:

Your support with either a one-time donation or a monthly subscription is appreciated and makes this work possible. It also helps fill the inbox with messages from men (and the women who love them) saying that the work done here is saving their sanity, and in some cases, their lives.

For the sake of your sanity, and that of your family, commit yourself to knowing the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Lovework

Do your best to always seek the truth. It can be difficult and confronting at times, but it’s worth the wrestle.

In the brilliant 1992 military courtroom drama A Few Good Men, Col. Nathan R. Jessep (Jack Nicholson’s character) famously yells, ‘You can’t handle the truth!’ during cross-examination by Lt. Daniel Kaffee (Tom Cruise’s character). Yes, the truth can be hard to handle at times, but as men and fathers, handle it we must. After all, truth cures.

Yours for the truth,
Nathaniel Marsh

P.S. You can support the work of Register Her here. If you enjoy receiving weekly encouragement, insights, news, and stories from Dads4Kids, please consider supporting us on a monthly basis.

___

Image courtesy of Adobe.