AN alleged sexual abuse victim today explained why she raised concerns over a Jimmy Savile book being displayed in the front window of a Felixstowe shop.

The mother-of-two – who sparked the debate about the decision by Poor Richard’s Books to display the book – revealed she was allegedly assaulted as a child.

The woman, who is in her 40s but can not be identified for legal reasons, hopes more victims will come forward to report what they have been through as a result of her telling her story.

“From a personal point of view, it wasn’t about making money from the book. It was the lack of sensitivity and disrespect to victims,” she said.

“It’s so raw at the moment.”

The woman, who lives in Felixstowe, told how she had wanted to walk into the shop, pick up the book and tear it apart – but couldn’t summon the courage.

The book was taken down after complaints were made.

But the issue has re-ignited emotions surrounding the trauma the woman went through.

Talking openly about the past and how the alleged abuse affected her, she said: “I’m always afraid that people are going to say it was your fault in the first place – you shouldn’t have let it happen.

“The abuse by that person makes you feel like they are doing it for you – maybe that is why Jimmy Savile’s victims didn’t come forward.

“I kept it quiet because of the shame and the embarrassment and I didn’t think for a minute that anyone would believe me.

“I kept it quiet and thought it was just me.”

The woman did not talk about her past until her first child was born – since then she has spoken to various professionals who have helped her to come to terms with what has happened to her.

She admitted it took her a long time to get to a point where she could be open about her life.

In light of the claims about disgraced entertainer Jimmy Savile, she said she now hopes more people will come forward to report abuse.

“If there is any good that comes out of this – I hope it helps more people hanging on to their secret to come forward.

“Before I think people thought they (people who reported abuse) were in it for the money but now I think more and more people are understanding the people who are coming out.”

Poor Richard’s Books was last night unavailable for comment.

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