Special Unit Working With BBC To Assess Allegations

The Metropolitan Police is to launch an investigation into allegations of abuse against the late TV presenter Sir Jimmy Savile, which have emerged as a result of an ITV documentary broadcast on Wednesday (October 3rd).

Five women alleged they were sexually assaulted by the late star in the programme, with reports revealing that rape claims were made to Surrey Police a number of years ago and further alleged victims have also now contacted police forces across the country.

All of the claims, which are alleged to have taken place between the 1950s and 1990s, are now being considered by the Met’s Child Abuse Investigation Command, which will be working with the BBC’s Internal Investigations Unit to assess the issues.

Tracey Storey, a Partner at Irwin Mitchell who specialises in representing people of all ages who have suffered sexual, psychological and physical abuse in a variety of circumstances, said it was not uncommon for victims to come forward years after incidents.

She said: “It is always hugely difficult for victims of abuse to come forward, as it can often take years for them to get to a point where they feel they can speak out about what they have endured.

“Being subjected to sexual abuse leaves people feeling hugely vulnerable and they often try to shut out the trauma they have been through. It is often the case that only later in life, survivors of abuse have the necessary psychological status to come forward.

“Coming forward in relation to cases of abuse is a very brave thing to do and, in our experience, has gone some way towards helping victims to move forward with their lives. The most crucial thing is that anyone who has suffered abuse gets the emotional and psychological support they need to help them move on and put the ordeal behind them.

“It is rare that such disclosures are motivated purely by the need for financial redress. Victims of abuse need closure and healing and that means breaking the silence and denial that surrounded the abuse in the first place.”