Most Victims Of Savile Abuse Aged 13-15 But Some As Young As 2-Years-Old

A study by the NSPCC commissioned for the BBC has revealed that at least 500 victims, with one as young as two, were abused by television and radio presenter Jimmy Savile.

The details of a joint investigation between the NSPCC and the BBC will be revealed on the World at One of BBC Radio 4 and BBC Panorama: ‘Savile: The Abuse Of Power’ on BBC 1 tonight at 8.30pm.

The report reveals confidential documents about the extent of Savile's sex offences and examines his unprecedented access to Broadmoor hospital, where some of his abuse took place. Thames Valley Police having received 16 reports of abuse by him inside the special hospital.

The latest figures show that 13-15 was the most common age group of Savile's victims and the youngest alleged victim was just two years old.

Peter Watt, the NSPCC's director of child protection, said: "There's no doubt that Savile is one of the most, if not the most, prolific sex offender that we at the NSPCC have ever come across.

"What you have is somebody who at his most prolific lost no opportunity to identify vulnerable victims and abuse them."

Savile first became involved with Broadmoor through the League Of Friends charity in the late 1960s. He was later given his own set of keys and a house in the grounds.

The BBC is conducting a review into how they dealt with complaints and information relating to Savile’s abuse but its publication has been delayed until later in the year. Reports suggest that the Dame Janet Smith review will uncover hundreds of victims and examine the culture and practices at the BBC to find out if he was protected in any way.

There are also ongoing investigations by the Department of Health into the celebrity’s activities at 33 hospitals.

Expert Opinion

So many people suffered horrendous abuse at the hands of Jimmy Savile and it is clear that there must have been people or organisations turning a blind eye. <br/> <br/>“It is important that the ongoing investigations examine the people and processes involved that allowed Savile to keep on offending for years and in so many different places. <br/> <br/>“It can be very difficult for victims of abuse to seek help as it is obviously a very personal and sensitive issue. But abuse has a long-lasting affect on the victims and it is vital that all of these people get the specialist help they need and deserve to be able to try to overcome their ordeal.” Tracey Storey - Partner