76 politicians caught up in UK child abuse probe, 1,400 investigated

British police said Wednesday they have received historical child sex abuse claims against 261 public figures, including 76 politicians, as they respond to a surge in complaints sparked by the Jimmy Savile scandal. A review of investigations by regional police forces has identified 1,433 suspects – all men – in cases of alleged abuse by prominent public figures or people in institutions such as schools and hospitals.

The referrals are increasing on an almost daily basis. The numbers I refer to today are a snapshot in time.

Norfolk Chief Constable Simon Bailey

The investigations relate to 357 different institutions, including 154 schools, 75 children’s homes, 40 religious institutions and 14 medical establishments, according to the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC). Meanwhile, British concert pianist James Rhodes, whose autobiography was banned because it contained harrowing details of childhood rape that could psychologically harm his son, will be allowed to publish the book after the Supreme Court overturned the ban on Wednesday.

I was told not to tell when I was a child. Children are told not to tell. The message is ‘tell someone’. This is a victory for victims.

James Rhodes to the BBC

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