I Wish Falsely Accused Network Didn't Have To Exist

By Michael Thompson, Founder of the Falsely Accused Network

I never set out to build an organisation. I never wanted to be a campaigner. If things had gone differently, I’d still be quietly living my life, raising my son, and working like anyone else. But in May 2020, my life was turned upside down when I discovered that the child I had believed to be mine — and had loved and raised as my own — was not biologically mine. The DNA test said it plainly, but it didn’t take away the pain.

That heartbreak was only the beginning. What followed was a wave of false allegations — malicious, strategic, and life-destroying. I found myself fighting to clear my name, fighting to be believed, and fighting just to stay afloat. But out of that fire came a deep, burning desire: if I had suffered this, then surely others had too. And maybe, just maybe, I could help them not go through it alone.

That’s how the Falsely Accused Network was born. What started as a small support effort has now grown into a helpline and community that has heard thousands of stories — each one harrowing, each one unjust. Every week, men call us broken, confused, and terrified, often arrested with no idea why, often separated from their children with no warning, and often too ashamed to tell anyone. The system doesn’t just fail them — it often punishes them further for trying to defend themselves.

When we speak to callers, our first instinct is to protect them from the carnage of family court. We encourage mediation whenever possible — not just because it's cheaper or faster, but because it's more human. We give practical tips on how to approach mediation, how to de-escalate conflict, and how to communicate effectively. Unfortunately, mediation requires two people willing to talk. And far too often, we find that the other party is unwilling — sometimes actively hostile — and then there's no option left but court.

Even then, we don’t leave them to face it alone. We’ve built strong relationships with legal professionals across England and Wales — from experienced solicitors to skilled barristers — and for those on lower incomes, trustworthy McKenzie Friends who can provide guidance without charging extortionate fees. We’ve been careful who we partner with. Not everyone in this world has the right intentions, and we’ve learned to spot the difference.

Beyond the legal help, we’ve created a private support group — a lifeline for many. It’s a space where men can speak without judgment, share their stories, and remind each other they’re not alone. Every shared message is a small act of solidarity. It may not fix the system, but it helps keep people going.

And yet, despite everything we’ve built, I wish Falsely Accused Network didn’t have to exist at all. I wish no child had to lose a father because of a lie. I wish no man had to be arrested for something he didn’t do. I wish paternity fraud, weaponised allegations, and family court trauma were things of the past. Our goal, ultimately, is to close our doors — not because we failed, but because the need no longer exists.

Until that day comes, we’ll keep fighting. We’ll keep answering the phone. We’ll keep walking with those who’ve been wrongly accused.

Visit us at www.falselyaccusednetwork.co.uk

You're not alone. And you never have to be.