Who is Jill Saward?

I was born in Liverpool and learned to walk and talk there before moving to Beckenham in Kent. Since then I have lived in: Chelsea, Fulham, Ealing, Walmley, Erdington, Middlemoor, Tavistock, Whitchurch - Tavistock, Stirchley - Telford, Wombridge, Laindon, Cranham, Speke, Walsall, Coventry and Stafford.

I am interested in: -

Farming - Especially pigs and the current concerns about the reduction in the industry, researching the causes and testing for TB, Biofuels.

Urban regeneration - I was one of a group of three who did all the groundwork, for a £1 million+ local community centre.

Affordable, sustainable and ecological housing, not built on flood plains.

Health - I am particularly interested in Arthtritis, Spondylitis, and dyspraxia - participating in research for arthritis.

Also I would love to see playgrounds for adults, so they were able to exercise with family members.

Recycling and eco issues - especially alternative power sources

Affordable youth provision

I like growing vegetables and sweet peas,
I enjoy reading about Tudor history
I like watching films

I have worked as a children's shoe fitter; cleaner - promoted to head housekeeper; teacher in a private school for 2 -5 year olds; cash office clerk; secretary and receptionist; classroom assistant; self-employed journalist, author, campaigner; sexual violence caseworker, sexual violence advocate.

What I know about you:

In Willerby you are concerned about the lack of respect and drivers racing around the streets. You are concerned about the increasing amount of Graffiti and the very large number of estate agents in the village centre. You'd like to see a fish and chip shop, a butchers and a wet fish shop. You'd like to see off-road cycle lanes and the trees on the Beverley Road pruned as they obstruct the zebra crossing. You'd like to see more help for the disabled and facilities for teenagers. You'd like to see the state pension take more account of people's real needs.
In Brough you were pleased to be asked to support my candidacy, and felt the issues I am standing on are important. I was told that there was nothing for young people to do. Despite approaching the Council, no action had been taken and young people were bored. As they get older they cannot afford to stay, unless parents help them out. There is no affordable housing available. I met someone who was so disillusioned by lack of opportunity and provision for children, the person is emigrating.
In Cottingham you are concerned about dirty streets, littering and chewing gum.
In Goole, people wanted more support for older people.
Wherever I went, nobody told me they were concerned about 42-day detention. Lots of people told me that you were angry that David Davis had caused this very expensive by-election; and those of you who will be voting for him will do so out of loyalty either for the Conservative Party or in gratitude for the good work David Davis has done as your MP in the past.

I have noticed around the different areas that people are concerned about their security. There are alarms on lots of houses, safety lights on others and video entry phones on others. Many of you have told me you don't feel safe, especially at night.

Background

At lunchtime on Thursday 6th March 1986, Jill Saward was the victim of what became known as the Ealing Vicarage Rape Case.

A gang of burglars broke into her home. Her father and her boyfriend at the time were beaten around the head with cricket bats. Jill was raped and subjected to serious sexual assaults.

Whether it was because the attack took place in a family home; whether it was because that family home was a vicarage (Jill's father, Michael Saward, was the Vicar of Ealing); whether because of the extent of the violence used, whether because Jill was a 21 year old virgin; whether because Jill, her father and the congregation of Saint Mary's Church in Ealing prayed for forgiveness...

Whether for any combination of those reasons or for other reasons, the case resulted in a media storm. In an age before the 24 hour news media, both BBC and ITN were reporting live from outside the vicarage. The case dominated the news pages for days until the men were caught.

Legally, Jill had the right to anonymity. In practice, she had no anonymity at all. So it was a fairly easy decision for her to "go public" and write a book in 1990 and take part in a BBC Everyman television programme.

The notoriety surrounding Jill's case shone a light on the previously hidden way victims of crime - and victims of sexual violence in particular - were treated. And as a result many laws were changed.

Today, Jill works with victims of sexual violence all over the country. She helps train police officers to understand the trauma associated with rape. She campaigns on issues of justice - particularly justice for women. And she tries to give victims a voice.

But above all, she cares.