a serious breach of the DPA by the CSA, can anyone help me

leighliz

Not sure if anyone will be able to help with this one. Just before Christmas I discovered that the CSA had disclosed my new address and telephone number to my ex husband, a very violent and abusive man. This has resulted in our lives being turned upside down, with his constant harrassment and abuse. The police have been involved but seem uninterested. I have written to the CSA who have eventually admitted the breach and sent me £1,000 compensation. However, under the circumstances I don't think this is enough. They are well aware of his behaviour, indeed he has threatened to kill me twice whilst speaking to them and they have contacted the police. We decided last year to move just to get away from him and to give the children a better quality of life, where they were free to go out and about without having to keep looking over their shoulders. I have asked the CSA to cover our moving costs by way of an apology, but they are refusing and will no longer discuss the difficulties that we are experiencing. The case has been passed to ICE who are also unable to resolve the issue, although they do agree that I have been treated unfairly. I am thinking of taking them to court but don't know if this would be successful, would be grateful for any advise anybody has to offer. Sorry its long winded, but needed to give you a good picture of whats going on. Thanks

gypsyjanet

Im suprised that the police have not taken the breach of Data protection
seriously, especially considering the violence .
Did you seek any legal advise ?
The Police have a Data Protection Officer , I have found ours very helpful in all maters of Data Protection.
Maybe you should find out who yours is and ask for advise .
If the CSA have done it once then they may do it again.
If you have accepted the £1,000 and didnt give it back then really you have probably accepted the compensation in the eyes of the law as far as the CSA are concerned.
This will be why they considerthe mtter closed .

welshcakes

Go online to the ICO and make an online complaint? As gypsy says, acceptance of the compensation will not allow any further monetary award to you from the CSA as you will have been seen as resolving the dispute and agreeing that the sum was a full and final settlement of the matter.

Zara33

Agree with welshcakes and gypsyjanet you accepted the money the case would be closed.

kelloggs36

Send the cheque back and tell them that you intend to sue them for breach of the DPA (or whatever action this sort of action allows you to do). Seek legal advice on how to do this. It may be worth investigating the recompense that can be offered in this type of circumstance - if it is less than what is being offered, then take the money and the apology. Whilst I accept that this is completely out of order, it is done now and can't be undone. There is a limit on what can be done to compensate you - but unless you know what that limit is, you can't make that decision.

steam_2

I agree with Kelloggs36 send the cheque back saying that it is unacceptable to what you have been put through but they are limited in what they can do other than apologise to you. I would advise that you go and speak to your local citizens advice bearau as they are very helpful in legal matters and they will be able to point you in the right direction and hopefully someone can help you.