Jill Saward

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Jill Saward (14 January 1965 – 5 January 2017) was a British campaigner on issues relating to rape and sexual violence. She is best known as the victim of the 1986 Ealing vicarage rape, a case that brought significant attention to the treatment of rape victims in the United Kingdom.

Early Life

Jill Saward was born in Liverpool, England. She was the daughter of a vicar, and her family moved to Ealing, London when her father took a position at the local vicarage.

Ealing Vicarage Rape

On 6 March 1986, Saward was raped during a burglary at her father's vicarage in Ealing. The case became highly publicized due to the brutal nature of the attack and the subsequent trial. The attackers were convicted, but the sentences for the rape were controversially lenient compared to those for the burglary, leading to public outcry and debates about the criminal justice system's handling of rape cases.

Advocacy and Campaigning

Following the attack, Saward became a prominent advocate for the rights of rape victims. She campaigned for changes in the law and better support for victims of sexual violence. Saward was instrumental in raising awareness about the psychological impact of rape and the need for sensitive handling of such cases by the police and judiciary.

Publications

In 1990, Saward published her autobiography, "Rape: My Story," which detailed her experiences and the aftermath of the attack. The book was influential in changing public perceptions of rape and the treatment of victims.

Later Life and Death

Jill Saward continued her advocacy work throughout her life, speaking at numerous events and working with various organizations dedicated to supporting victims of sexual violence. She passed away on 5 January 2017 from a stroke.

Legacy

Saward's work has had a lasting impact on the treatment of rape victims in the UK. Her advocacy contributed to changes in the law and improved support services for victims of sexual violence. She is remembered as a courageous and tireless campaigner who turned her personal tragedy into a force for positive change.

See Also

• Rape crisis center
• Sexual Offences Act 2003
• Victim support