Campaigning for the victims of crime
JUST over 22 years ago, Jill Saward's life changed
forever.
A gang of burglars broke into her home, attacked her father
and then-boyfriend with cricket bats before raping and sexually
assaulting her.
What became known as the Ealing Vicarage rape case – her
father was the local vicar – shocked the nation.
As a rape victim, Jill had the right to anonymity but after
her attackers were jailed she went public, writing a book about
her experience and appearing in a high-profile TV
documentary.
At the time, it was a ground-breaking move but today the
married mother-of-three is back in the spotlight as an
Independent candidate in the Haltemprice and Howden by
election.
Having campaigned on the issue of sexual violence and
victims' rights for the past two decades, she's entered
politics for the first time.
“I am not a politician and I do not represent a political
party but I do seek to gain cross-party trust and support,” she
said.
“By-elections are about sending out messages. David Davis
has already sent his message by resigning his seat and he would
achieve nothing by winning. Despite all his claims, this
by-election is not a national referendum.”
She added: “My message is not denying rights to defendants,
nor is it about locking up criminals and throwing away the key.
We need more balance in the criminal justice system.
“it's just that the pendulum has swung too far in favour of
the wrongdoer,” she added.
Comments
by Mark, Hessle
Wednesday, July 02 2008, 10:17AM
“Unfortunately, she doesn't stand a chance. No-one with an ounce of sense is allowed anywhere near parliament.”