Thursday, 17 October: Veteran journalist Bea Campbell on the legacy of the Cleveland child sex abuse scandal
The sexual abuse scandal in the county of Cleveland in northern England in 1987 was a defining moment – but it was not the scandal we were led to believe it was.
Parliament and the public were misled. In her latest book – SECRETS AND SILENCE – journalist Beatrix Campbell has uncovered government documents showing that medical evidence of childhood rape at the heart of the controversy was deemed credible but dangerous: it could attract demand for more funding. So, it was suppressed. It was more important to save money than save children.
The cover-up defined policy and public opinion thereafter – with disastrous consequences.
About the speaker:
Beatrix Campbell is an award-winning writer, broadcaster and political activist. Her book Wigan Pier Revisited – one of Virago’s bestsellers – won the Cheltenham Literature Festival Prize.
She has written about politics, crime, community, gender, child abuse and sexual politics for a range of publications from The Guardian, The Independent, the New Statesman, Marxism Today to OpenDemocracy and Byline Times. She has participated in many TV and radio programmes, including Any Questions and Question Time. She has also written acclaimed plays with co-author Judith Jones.
A charismatic speaker and campaigner, she has received many awards, including the Nancy Astor Media Awards Campaigning Journalist of the Year, six honorary doctorates and an OBE for services to equality.
Reviews:
“A shocking indictment of state neglect and complicity in child sexual abuse. Essential reading for anyone who cares about truth, accountability and justice.” Harriet Wistrich, lawyer and Director of the Centre for Women’s Justice
“Beatrix Campbell is one of those rare writers in whom a passion for justice is matched to a brilliantly forensic intelligence. In this gripping illumination of the long shadow of the Cleveland child abuse case, she shows the disastrous consequences of a pernicious myth.” Fintan O’Toole, Irish Times
The venue:
The Elephant And Castle
White Hill
Lewes
BN7 2DJ
Tickets:
They are £5 and you can purchase them on the door or about a week before at the venue. Please note that the capacity of the venue is limited, we recommend buying the ticket in advance to avoid disappointment.