Jimmy Savile sex abuse scandal sees calls to Staffordshire helpline soar
AN ORGANISATION that supports victims of sexual abuse says it has been inundated with calls in the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal.
Staffordshire Women's Aid, which runs sexual violence service SURVIVE, reports that media coverage of the allegations against Savile has encouraged many victims of historical abuse to come forward.
Staff say demand for the service is at unprecedented levels and their 24-hour helpline has been constantly engaged.
Annette Atherton, support services manager at Staffordshire Women's Aid, said: "Some victims of childhood sexual abuse have reported abuse dating back to the early 1980s, some of which involves local institutions and professional members of society."
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She added: "Staffordshire Women's Aid has provided the SURVIVE service for two years now, but has received a significant increase in calls and referrals since the exposure of the Savile case, and in particular from vulnerable members of our local community."
SURVIVE, funded by the Big Lottery, provides one-to-one support for those suffering from the effects of experiencing sexual violence or assault, rape or attempted rape, childhood sexual abuse and sexual exploitation.
Savile, who died a year ago, has been described as one of the UK's most prolific sex offenders. Police are investigating claims the DJ and TV presenter could have abused up to 300 victims.
Staffordshire Police said there has been a rise in reports to the force, and urged victims to contact them.
Detective Chief Inspector Helen Jones, of Staffordshire Police's Protecting Vulnerable People department, said: "We believe there has been a slight increase recently in the number of historical child sexual assault allegations reported to Staffordshire Police.
"However, it is unclear whether this increase can be attributed to the recent investigation involving Jimmy Savile, which is being led by the Metropolitan Police.
"Staffordshire Police treats all reports of sexual abuse against children or adults extremely seriously, no matter how long ago the offence happened, and we will carry out a thorough and sensitive investigation.
"We are determined to bring offenders to justice."
Comments
by puppylove
Wednesday, October 31 2012, 8:44AM
“sort of agree with Redtone....plus all those people that new what he was up to and did nothing are equally as guilty if not more than the pervert himself! and how after all these years do you prove what he was doing?”
by warren-lloyd
Wednesday, October 31 2012, 5:56AM
“I offten wondered why Savile never got a gig for "Children in Need'. Dirty old git. I do think the media should move on and let the police do what they have to do, like losing Gary Glitter up for the rest of his life.”
by gormhenghast
Tuesday, October 30 2012, 11:01PM
“Aw come on they`ve smashed is gravestone up, why not dig him up and do like they did in medieval times hang the dead sad body out for every one to gawp at. Sex fiend??? all the 15-16 year olds from the time are now polishing up the tales whether they have an involvement or not, I`m surprised that the PPI ambulance chasers are not ringing round as I type, even in death, even in infamy the guy still raises money, this time for the ever growing colony of legal vultures, latching on the latest corpse to pick the courts dry, its like watching maggots strip a corpse. Its unsightly and undignified how the woodwork must have been creaking over all these intervening years with the weight of scandal and alleged pain of the victims, makes one wonder???? Who`d have thought it, victims eh, strange lot waiting all these years without a whimper and so many...................................”
by Redtone
Tuesday, October 30 2012, 8:36PM
“Come on Warren - they can afford better lawyers than me... a well known Irish presenter (who gets no work these days) is definitely a kiddy fiddler.”
by warren-lloyd
Tuesday, October 30 2012, 8:09PM
“ohhhhh! Yes Mrs. Titter you not. Come so Tony, don't leave it up in the air like that , the beans, spill them.”
by Redtone
Tuesday, October 30 2012, 2:23PM
“I see my arrow fans are following me... that's a sad life by the way!”
by Redtone
Tuesday, October 30 2012, 12:57PM
“Sick of hearing about it personally. The BBC's endless navel gazing. Far more important stuff going on - I think it's called weapons of mass distraction. Some of us heard dark rumours about Savile being a pervert years ago... as a stagehand for over 20 years, you should hear the things I have about household names! Anyone remember Frankie Howerd?”
by hardnose
Tuesday, October 30 2012, 12:37PM
“The smell of compensation,is in the air.”