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Jimmy-Savile-Main_article_image.jpg
Rex
UK News

Jimmy Savile report: Time to focus on victims, says Christian charity

by Desmond Busteed

Several inquiries into the late presenter have been published, highlighting how his celebrity status let him get away with his crimes.

In March last year, former Education Secretary Michael Gove asked 18 organisations to investigate allegations made regarding Jimmy Savile's interactions with children at their schools and children's homes. The allegations were uncovered as part of a review by the Met Police.

Speaking on Premier's 'News Hour', Action for Children's head of safeguarding Deanna Neilson said: "The focus in high-profile cases is often the abusers, but the pain and needs of their victims must not be overshadowed or ignored.

"We can learn invaluable lessons from the past and to do so, must recognise that whether abuse took place yesterday or 40 years ago, those who have suffered must be listened to and know that when they come forward, action will be taken.

"Every child has the right to a safe, happy childhood that sets them up to meet their best potential in life - there is never an excuse for failing to protect children, regardless of culture or era.

"Alongside colleagues, Action for Children continues to develop practice every day, both through innovation and drawing on lessons learned, to protect children. We must never be complacent - children's lives depend on it."

Action for Children also conducted its own investigation which found that Jimmy Savile visited Penhurst School on one occasion in the 1970s, to open a fete.

AfC said it had no evidence that he frequently visited the school that he had contact with individual children or that anything untoward happened on the single occasion he is known to have visited.

As well as a copious records search, the charity said it contacted over 100 former staff members and students for this investigation and determined there is evidence of good practice at the school in terms of keeping children safe.

Thirteen recommendations have been accepted by the Health Secretary, including bringing in guidelines for the access VIPs have to hospitals.

Action for Children's head of safeguarding Deanna Neilson:

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