Ealing vicarage rape victim Jill Saward dies

Jan 5, 2017 by

from BBC News: A woman who became a sexual assault campaigner after she was raped during a burglary at her father’s vicarage has died after suffering a stroke.

Jill Saward, then 21, was sexually assaulted by two men in Ealing, west London, in 1986. Her father Michael, and her boyfriend were severely beaten.

At the end of the trial of her rapists, the judge said her trauma “had not been so great”, sparking outrage.

Ms Saward was the first rape victim in the UK to waive her anonymity.

How vicarage rape case changed treatment of victims

She went on to use her public profile to campaign for the victims of sexual violence.

Ms Saward, 51, who was also known by her married name Drake, had three sons and lived with husband Gavin in Hednesford, Staffordshire.

In a statement, her family said she had dedicated the past 30 years of her life to helping other people.

They said Ms Saward had requested her organs be donated to others after her death.

“It gives us great comfort to know that our wonderful wife, mother and sister was able to help other people to the very end,” they said.

Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, also paid tribute, tweeting: “Sorrowed to hear of the death of Jill Saward (Drake), heroic and remarkable campaigner for the victims of rape: much sympathy to her family.”

Read here

Listen to obituary on BBC Radio 4 “The Last Word” here

 

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