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George Galloway reveals child abuse ordeal
Peter Dominiczak20 Jul 2009
George Galloway today revealed he was the victim of child sex abuse as he backed a government vetting system for people working with children.
The MP said he had been abused by a school janitor when he was 11.
In a column in the Daily Record newspaper, Mr Galloway said: "Every time a Soham murderer or a Dunblane Thomas Hamilton emerges, I die a little inside as I remember that dirty old man driven by the same perverted interest in sexually attacking kids.
"I told no one, not even my wives, of what happened to me. All I feel is ashamed, though I was the child victim and he the aggressive predator."
A scheme to vet everyone who wants to work or volunteer with children will begin in October. The Independent Safeguarding Authority will carry out the checks in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
They are being introduced after the murders of schoolgirls Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells by school caretaker Ian Huntley in 2002.
Several children's authors have spoken out against the system, including Michael Morpurgo, who said it is a "step too far" and will stop his school visits.
But Mr Galloway, Respect MP for Bethnal Green and Bow, said it will be worth it if it spares one child the "horrors" of abuse: "Trust me. I know."
Reader views (4)
This is an incredibly difficult subject to speak up about: it makes EVERYONE run for the hills. In a supposedly permissive open society it is the last taboo: out of embarrassment society creates a conspiracy of silence which makes it impossible for victims to share their experience even with loved-ones, let alone get past their experiences. This silence is exactly what makes it so easy for paedophiles to operate. Contrary to public opinion, it is not snatches by strangers which need to be worried about: most paedophiles spend years acquiring positions where they are trusted by the adults around their victim so that they appear to be 'above' suspicion. I am not a Galloway fan in the slightest, but anything which creates a public debate will save children from the horrific mental and emotional anguish of sexual abuse. It doesn't happen to 'those kind of people' who live in 'that kind of place' - it's probably happening right now, in your street or in your family, to a child you know . . .
- Roz, France, 20/07/2009 16:17
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Without denigrating Mr Galloway's undoubtedly harrowing experiences, I wonder why he never mentions the large amount of child abuse in the Islamic world, which he is so fond of defending. Girls can be married at the age of nine, and it's common for thirteen-year-olds to be married forcibly to middle-aged and old men. Young women are killed for so much as being seen in public with an unrelated man. If he cares for Muslims, why doesn't he use his influence to put an end to thise practices?
- Denis Maceoin, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, 20/07/2009 15:26
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Somehow I find it very very difficult to believe what this man ever says. He hasn't been in the news recently has he.
- Frank, Home Counties, England., 20/07/2009 13:40
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Well, i admire his bravery to be so open about this tragedy, i was in the same boat,but it was by a very close uncle, i was 4 years old, over many years it went on, its too hearbreaking, but i never forget, but im ok now.There must be millions of heartbreaking stories like this im sure
- Annie, london, 20/07/2009 12:42
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