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How Helping Others Helped Me Survive


Written by Michael Thompson, Founder of the Falsely Accused Network and Paternity Fraud UK


In May 2020, my world was ripped apart.


I found out that the little boy I believed was my biological son—who I had loved, bonded with, and taken responsibility for—wasn’t biologically mine. That was the day I became a victim of paternity fraud. I can’t even begin to describe the pain, the betrayal, and the deep sense of confusion I felt.


And as if that wasn’t enough, when I tried to stay in this child’s life, my ex started playing games—letting me see him, then cutting contact, then letting me see him again, and then nothing. It became a cruel pattern. Eventually, I had no choice but to go to the family court.


That’s when the false allegations began.


Out of nowhere, I was suddenly being accused of domestic abuse—completely fabricated claims thrown at me in court. Anyone who has been through this knows how terrifying it is. One minute you're fighting to be in your child's life, the next you're fighting to prove you're not a monster. I was lucky enough to be able to defend myself successfully, but the toll it took on me... it’s hard to explain.


I was in a very dark place. The kind of dark place where the future feels pointless and you wonder if life is even worth sticking around for. Yes, I had suicidal thoughts. And no, I’m not ashamed to admit that. That’s the reality for many men in this situation—and too many of us suffer in silence.


I did seek therapy. And to be clear, there are some brilliant therapists out there. Therapy helped, no doubt. But what truly pulled me out of the darkest places was something I didn’t expect: helping others.


I started Paternity Fraud UK. Then I started Falsely Accused Network. Both were born from pain, but they became the biggest sources of healing for me. Talking to other men going through the same hell I’d been through. Supporting them. Campaigning. Raising awareness. Telling the truth. That’s what gave me a reason to keep going. That’s what gave me purpose.


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And I still find that to this day, what helps me most with my own trauma is helping others face theirs.


If you’re struggling—if you’ve been falsely accused, if you’ve been cut off from your child, if you’ve been lied to, defamed, dragged through the mud—please know this: you’re not alone. And you don’t have to do this on your own.


I strongly encourage therapy. It can be life-changing. But don’t underestimate the power of connecting with others who get it. Of giving support, and being supported.


That’s what the Falsely Accused Network is here for.


If you’re reading this and you’re in that dark place I once was, reach out.


We’re here to help.



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Falsely Accused Network

📞 Helpline: 0204 538 8788



You are not alone. And you are not powerless.

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